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A SHORT HISTORY 



OP THE 



STATE OF NEW YORK 



BY 

JOHN J. ANDEKSON, A.M., Ph.D. 

AUTHOU OF A SERIES OF SCHOOL HISTORIES, 
HISTORICAL READERS, ETC. 



AND 



ALEXANDEE CLAKENCE FLICK, A.M., Ph.D. 

PROFESSOR OF HISTORY IN SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, 

AUTHOR OF "L0YALI8M IN NEW YORK DURING 

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION," ETC. 



■» e • ' » - - ' ' o , o c J ' . • ' ^ » 



MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO. 
NEW YORK 



THE LI»«A^V •F 
Two Coptta Hbc€'ve« 

APR. 22 1902 

Ol>ftf O^XXft. No. 

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Copyright, 1901, 

BY 

MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO 



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PREFACE 



This history was begun several years ago by Dr. John 
J. Anderson, one of the best-known authors of text- 
books on history in our country, and carried down 
through the War of 1812 to the year 1820. While 
engaged in the task he was smitten by a sad calamity, 
the partial loss of his eyesight. The publishers, at his 
suggestion and with his approval, then invited his col- 
laborator to complete the book. Dr. Anderson's 
manuscript, together with such material as he had 
gathered for the completion of the work, was placed in 
the hands of his associate, who made such changes as 
seemed advisable, and introduced much new matter, the 
result being the present volume. 

The authors' object was not to write a history of 
politics alone, nor to compile an encyclopedia of facts. 
Their purpose was to show the whole varied life of the 
state of New York as seen in the development of the 
educational, religious, social, industrial, and political 
institutions. This evolution began primarily in the peo- 
ple's minds and then took form in their acts. To notice 
the growth of the state from humble beginnings to the 



111 



IV PREFACE 

present time, and to note the vital interdependence of 
those institutions, has been their constant aim. 

Few histories of the Empire State have done full jus- 
tice to the marvelous growth of western New York, and 
to the importance of that region in the life of the com- 
monwealth of to-day. The great metropolis and the 
historic Hudson Valley should not completely over- 
shadow the rest of the state. This work attempts to do 
all sections justice. Constant care has been taken to 
give full credit to all men and to all movements. The 
true historian cannot be a blind partisan of any local- 
ity, creed, or party. It would be as wrong to inculcate 
the belief that !Xew York rules the universe as to assert 
that all her independence and individuality are absorbed 
by the national state. Her part in the nation's history 
has been an honorable one and she has played it well. 

In writing this history the accessible original sources 
have been carefully used, but not to the exclusion of 
the best secondary books. The bibliographies appended 
to each period are not meant to be exhaustive, nor to 
indicate all of the sources used, but only to serve as 
a guide for further reading. The books mentioned 
can probably be found in most libraries. 

This volume is intended to give the entire life of 
New York as a colony and as a commonwealth in an 
interesting and instructive style, so that it may be use- 
ful in the school, in the home, in the office, and in the 
library. If those who study it have a greater venera- 
tion for what the fathers wrought; if they see clearly 
the various lines of institutional growth; if they realize 
more fully our debt to the past and our duty to the 
future; if they appreciate more deeply the demands 



PREFACE V 

of American citizenship in their communities and in the 
great Republic ; and if they strive more earnestly to live 
up to our highest national ideals, then the end of this 
history will have been accomplished. 

The thanks of the authors are due to many friends 
and scholars for kindly help and generous encourage- 
ment given during the preparation of this book. 

A. C. Flick. 
Syracuse University. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



CHAPTER 



I. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VII. 



VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 

XII. 

XIII. 

XIV. 



PART I. COLONIAL ERA 
I Dutch Pekiod. 1609-1664 

PAGE 

Early Discoveries and Explorations 1 

The Indians of New York 5 

The First Settlements 9 

New Netherland Ruled by a Trading Company. . . 12 

The Administration of Governor Kieft 17 

The End of the Dutch Period 20 

The Institutions of the Dutch 23 

II. The English Period. 1664-1776 

The First Decade of English Rule 33 

The First Victory for Self-government 35 

Effect of the English Revolution on New York. . . 40 

New York in the First Colonial Wars 43 

Internal Affairs '^^ 

The French and Indian War 52 

Education and Religion 59 



XV. 

XVI. 

XVII. 

XVIII. 



PART II. ERA OF STATEHOOD 

I. Revolution and Transition 

Struggle for Self-government 70 

New York on the Eve of Revolution 75 

The War-cloud Bursts on New York 78 

The Colony Becomes a State • • • 83 

vi 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



vil 



CHAPTER 

XIX. 

XX. 

XXI. 

XXII. 

XXIII. 

XXIV. 

XXV. 



Saratoga Turns the Tide 

The War Brought to an End 

New York at the Close of the Revolution .. 
New York Adopts the Constitution of 1787. 



PAGE 

88 

93 

98 

101 



The Disposal of Western Lands 105 

The Development of Western New York 110 

Political Parties in New York 115 



II. Period of Internal Improvements 

XXVI. Beginnings of the Erie Canal 124 

XXVII. Second War with England 128 

XXVIII. Canals, and the Constitution of 1821 133 

XXIX. Party and Personal Politics 139 

XXX. Completion of the Erie Canal 143 

XXXI. The Canal Develops the State 148 

XXXII. Progress in Education 154 

XXXIII. The Albany Regency Supreme 159 



III. Railroads and Prosperity 
XXXIV. Social Movements... 167 



XXXV. 

XXXVI. 

XXXVII. 

XXXVIII. 

XXXIX. 

XL. 

XLI. 

XLII. 



State and National Politics 171 

The Patriot War 176 

The Antirent Feud 181 

The Constitution of 1846 186 

The Era of Railroad Building 190 

General Results of the Building of the Railroads 195 

Education and Literature 199 

Social Institutions 203 



IV. Civil War and Politics 

XLIII. Fall of the Whig Party 211 

XLIV. Slavery in New York 216 

XLV. New York and the Civil War 222 

XLVI. The Work of the Empire State in the Civil War. . 227 

XL VIL Industrial Condition 234 

XLVIII. Schools, Churches, and Societv 240 

XLIX. The Political Situation 245 

L. Tilden's Reforms 250 



Till 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



V. Centennials and Prosperity 

CHAPTER PAGE 

LI. Kevoliitionary Memorials and New York's Third 

and Fourth Presidents 259 

LIL Governor Hill's Administration 265 

LIII. The Constitutional Convention of 1894 270 

LIV. New York under Governor Morton 277 

LV. The City of Greater New York 282 

LVI. War with Spain and its Results 287 

LVII. Progress in Population and Industry 298 

LVIII. Commercial Prosperity 305 

LIX. Educational Institutions 311 

LX. Religion and Society 317 

A.rms of the State 329 

New York State Constitution 331 

Appendix 

Colonial and State OflQcers of New York 379 

United States Senators from New York 390 

Population of the State, Counties and Cities 391 

Immigration 394 

Index 397 



A SHORT HISTORY OF 



THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



PAET I. COLONIAL ERA 

L THE DUTCH PERIOD. 1609-1664 

Chapter I. — Early Discoveries and Explorations 

First Explorers. — That Sebastian Cabot, an English- 
born Venetian, ever saw the coast of New York is very 
doubtful.^ There is some proof that the Portuguese 
skirted along these shores before 1513.^ A like claim 
is made for the Spaniards as early as 1520. But Ver- 
razano, a Florentine corsair, employed by Francis I. of 
France to seek a more direct route to China, did un- 
doubtedly explore the " most beautiful '' Bay of New 
York in 1524. In a letter to his roval master he de- 
scribed his experiences, and his brother made a map of 

^ He has been called the " Sphinx of North American history 
for over three hundred years." Winsor, Narrative and Critical 
History of America, III., 32. See Dr. Charles Dean, JoJiri and 
Sehastian Cahot, Cambridge, 1886. 

^ Evidence of this fact is found in the " Cantino " Map, and the 
Ptolemy of 1513. 

1 



2 SHORT EISTOBY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

the region. He was probably the first white man to 
inspect the harbor of New York.^ During the next 
seventy-five years several navigators sailed along the 
l^orth American coast and very likely touched it at 

New York. -. . ^.i. 

Importance of Hudson's Discovery.— It seems that the 

Dutch were accustomed to visit the Hudson Eiver as 
early as 1598 ^ on trading trips, ^o doubt the French 
did the same. It remained for the sturdy Englishman, 
Henry Hudson, however, to do the initial work of col- 
onizing that country known for about a century in only 
a vague way. He was the first man to make the river 
which bears his name known to the civHized world. 
His exploration was the first which opened that region to 
profitable trading voyages and led to temporary settle- 
ments and permanent occupation by the Dutch. Hence 
the arrival of the Half Moon, carrying Hudson's Dutch 

- Verrazano was a poor nobleman's son and born at a little 
village near Florence, Italy, in 1485. He was well educated, 
especially in geography, and was celebrated as a .^^^^^^f P^^^^' 
His piratical acts were directed against the Spanish and Portu- 
guese ships which were laden with treasures from the New World. 
In 1527 he was captured by the Spanish, taken to Cadiz, and 
hanged as a pirate. The story of his being devoured by the 
Indians in 1528 in Venezuela is a mistake. Our mformatimi 
about his voyage to New York rests upon a letter to Fi-ancis 
I in 1524. That letter, the original of which is lost, was first 
published in Venice in 1556 and is rather vague about the ter- 
ritory visited. No copy has been found in the French Archives. 
Hence it has been called a forgery and Verrazano s part m New 
York history questioned. The letter may be found m the J. Y. 
Eist. Soc. Colls,, 2d Ser., L, 45, 46, and also m the Old South 
Leaflets, No. 17. See De Costa, Yerrazam the Explorer, New 

York, 1881. 

^Docs. rel. to N. Y. Col. Hist., I., 149, 248. 



EARLY DISCOVERIES AND EXPLORATIONS 



and English crew, in September, 1609, will always re- 
main the most interesting event in this period of begin- 



nmgs. 




THE HALF MOON ASCENDING THE HUDSON 

The Dutch East India Company engaged the bold navi- 
gator Hudson to find a short route to Asia.^ On April 
4, 1609, he left the ^Netherlands in his little ship with 
about eighteen sailors to find a passage north of Sweden. 



^ See report of Hudson's mate, Robert Juet, in Hart, American 
History told hy Contemporaries, I., 121. 

2 Holland gained her independence of Spain in 1609 and was 
the leading naval and commercial power in the world. Like the 
other nations she was eager for a short cut to the rich trading 
fields of the East. See the Dutch Declaration of Independence in 
1581. Old Sontn Leaflets, Vol. III., No. 72. 

Hudson had already made two eflorts to find a northwest 
passage under an English company, hence was looked upon as 
well qualified for the work. 



4 SHOUT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Forced by the ice to turn about, be sailed west, touched 
land at Maine, went south to Chesapeake Bay, then 
turned north and entered Xew York harbor September 
3. The mate's journal says: '' The people of the 
country came aboard of us, seeming very glad of our 
coming, and brought greene tobacco and gave us of it 
for knives and beads." 

Hudson's Disappointment and Return. — Hoping to find 
an opening to the eastern seas, Hudson sailed up 
the broad " Silent River of the Mountains " as far as 
Albany.^ Checked by shallows and trees, he sent out a 
party in a small boat to continue the search. They soon 
reported that they had found the " end for shipping 
to go to." The disappointed navigator turned back and 
soon sailed for home. His British sailors forced him to 
land at Dartmouth, England, l^ovember 7, where King 
James detained both him and his vessel because he 
was an Englishman and his discoveries belonged to Eng- 
land. He contrived, however, to send a report of his 
voyage to his employers, and the Half Moon was allow^ed 
to go to Amsterdam in a few months, but the brave 
captain never again saw Holland.^ 

^ To-day the river steamers carry passengers from New York 
to Albany in about eight hours. It "took Hudson more than that 
many days. 

^ Hudson made a fourth effort to find the coveted water-way to 
the East in 1610 in the employ of English merchants. He 
reached Hudson Bay. There his crew mutinied, put him, his son, 
and seven sick sailors into a small boat and left them to perish. 
His fate is unknown. Thus ended the career of one of the brav- 
est navigators of his age. The ringleaders of the mutiny were 
killed by Indians on the way home, and the rest of the crew were 
punished upon reaching England. In vain did the king have 
search made for Henry Hudson. 



THE INDIANS OF NEW TORE 5 

The French in New York. — Meanwhile Frenchmen 
were preparing to explore New York from the north. 
In 1603 King Henry IV. of France gave to De Monts 
*^ the sovereignty of the country from the fortieth to 
the forty-sixth degree of north latitude; that is, from 
the degree south of the city of New York to the one 
north of Montreal.'' This shows that France had an 
early claim to New York. The king soon gave to De 
Monts the monopoly of the fur-trade on, the St. Law- 
rence River in exchange for his land grant. Samuel 
Champlain was sent out on a trading expedition. He 
founded Quebec (1608), discovered Lake Champlain, 
and stood on the soil of New York two months before 
Hudson saw it.^ In 1615, accompanied by Indian 
allies, he penetrated the forests of western New York 
to attack the Seneca Indians, but was repulsed. 



Chapter II. — The Indians of New Yokk 

Meeting of the White Man and the Red Man. — The 
white man had met the red man in New York many 
years before the coming of Champlain and Hudson. 
Verrazano received a friendly greeting from the Indians 
in 1524. From that time on, no doubt, more or less 
trade was carried on w^ith them by the various explorers. 
This may account for the hostility shown to Hudson at 
times. 



^ See Champlain's Adventures on Lake Champlain (1609) given 
in Hart, American History told by Contemporaries, I., 125. 



6 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TOBK 

Algonquins and Iroquois.-In ^ew York there were 
two great branches of Indians, the Algonqums and the 
Iroquois. The former inhabited the islands and the 
mainland around New York Bay and the shores up the 
Hudson. On Long Island alone thirteen tribes of that 
great famHy lived. The Manhattans occupied Manhat- 
tan Island and its vicinity. Directly north of them, 
on the Hudson, were the Mohegans, or Eiver Indians, 
and farther up were the Wabingos, or Esopus Indians. 
Tribes of the Iroquois.— The Iroquois, in five great 
tribes, possessed the land from Albany to Buffalo. 
The Mohawks inhabited the Mohawk Valley above 
Schenectady and the shores of Lake George and Lake 
Champlain. The Oneidas held the creek and lake which 
bear their name. The imperious Onondagas controlled 
Onondaga and Skaneateles lakes and the Oswego River. 
The Cayugas were found around the lake to which they 
gave their name. Beyond them toward the Genesee 
River lived the Senecas, on Lake Seneca and Lake 
Canandaigua. It is estimated that they numbered 
about 17,000 altogether. 

Political Institutions.— The Indian institutions were 
fairly well developed. Politically they were divided 
into tribes and ruled by chiefs who were advised by a 
council of warriors. But to discuss matters of great im- 
portance the Algonquins had a loose confederacy, while 
the Iroquois were united into a strong league known 
as the '' Five Nations " or, after the Tuscaroras were 
admitted in 1715, as the '' Six Nations.'' The women 
had a right to vote among them. Their great council- 
house, in which the fifty sachems sat, was near Syracuse. 
From first to last the Iroquois hated the French and 



THE INDIANS OF NEW YORK 7 

were friendly to the Dutch and English. They were 
called the " Romans of New York." ^ 

Religion. — The Indians had no churches, priests, or 
rites of worship. Their dances and feasts were largely 
religious. They clothed various objects in nature with 
divine powers. Their " medicine-men " were con- 
jurers. They believed in one " great spirit " and in a 
happy hunting-ground after death. 

Industry among them had made some advancement. 
The chief occupations of the men were war, hunting, and 
fishing. They constructed fine canoes, formed many 
stone and bone implements, excelled in making bows 
and arrows, worked in copper, manufactured pottery, 
built forts and rude houses, and knew how to tan skins 
and preserve furs. The women developed agriculture 
and horticulture. Some of the crops raised were maize, 
hemp, corn, tobacco, beans, and squashes. Hudson was 
able to trade cheap trinkets for most of these articles. 
Fine apple, peach, and plum orchards were likewise 
found among them.^ The women also made clothing, 
shoes, and various kinds of ornaments. 

Education and Society. — They had no schools. Their 
literature was in heroic stories handed down orally. 
They had no written language, but used a few signs 
and rude pictures. Oratory was cultivated. Their 
social life was very marked. They lived in small vil- 
lages guarded by palisades. When not on the warpath 
or chase, the men sat around smoking while the women 

worked. They had many amusements like dances, fes- 
1 — — — • 

^ They roamed as conquerors from " Canada to the Carolinas, 
and from the western prairies to the forests of Maine." 

^ Reported from Sullivan's expedition in 1779. 



8 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tivals, ball games, and quoits. They liked gay feathers, 
paints, and tattooing. The Indian usually had but one 
wife, and children traced their descent through their 
mother instead of their father. Tribes were sub- 
divided into clans Avith totems.-^ 

Population. — European civilization gradually crowded 
them westward. By 1838 most of their lands were dis- 
posed of and many of them had moved northward and 
westward, some even beyond the Mississippi. '^ Such 
was the final act in the drama of the once powerful bar- 
barian republic in the state of New York." The actual 
number of Indians in New York in the early period is 
unknown. In 1774 the estimate was 10,000, and in 
1819 only 5,000. The first actual census (1845) 
showed the number to be 3,766, and in 1890 there were 
5,318. The last census shows but a small increase in 
numbers. 

Later History. — The Indians are still divided into 
Christians and pagans. In 1890 there were only 
twelve churches among them with 1,074 members, and 
800 children w^ere attending school. They have made 
little progress in farming during the past half -century, 
and still receive help from the state and nation. The 
Onondagas have a reservation in Onondaga county. A 
few Oneidas live on farms at Oneida in Madison county. 
The Tuscaroras live in Niagara county. The Senecas 
are located in Erie, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Genesee, 
and Niagara counties. The St. Regis Indians in St. 



* One of the "best descriptions was given by Eev. John Mega- 
polensis in The Iroquois (1644). Hart, American History told by 
Contemporaries, I., 525. 



TUB FIRST SETTLEMENTS 9 

Lawrence and Franklin counties are the successors of 
the Mohawks. 

Thns the powerful red men, once the monarchs of the 
state, have been forced to leave the home of their 
fathers, and are confined to a few small reservations. 
The advancing civilization of the whites has not carried 
them with it very far. The Indian has adopted the lan- 
guage, dress, manners, religion, and methods of w^ork of 
his superiors. He is more civilized, but the noble spirit 
is broken and his independence is gone. The small res- 
ervation has checked his restless soul. He has become 
lazy, harmless, and indifferent to progress. 



Chapter III. — The Fiest Settlements 

New Amsterdam. — Hudson's report caused Dutch 
merchants to send out trading expeditions. The next 
year (1610) a successful trip aroused still greater in- 
terest in this new region. Following this, a company of 
merchants, having obtained a monopoly of the trade for 
six voyages, sent five small vessels over to extend the 
discoveries and to trade with the natives (1614).^ Three 
prominent captains connected with the enterprise were 
Adrian Block, Hendrick Christiansen,^ and Cornelius 
Jacobsen Mey. Block's little ship was accidentally 
burned off Manhattan Island. While he and his crew 



^The names of three vessels were the Little Fox, Nightingale, 
Tiger, and two more were called Fortune. 

^ There is some record of his having made a trip in 1613 and 
of his erecting a few huts on Manhattan Island. O'Callaghan, 
Eist. of New NetJierlands, Vol. I., Bk. 1, ch. 4. 



10 SHORT EI8T0RT OF THE STATE OF NEW TORK 

were building another small vessel they erected huts.^ 
This was the beginning of 'New Amsterdam, the infant 
city of New York. 




NEW AMSTERDAM 



Fort Nassau. — Meanwhile Christiansen, bent on trade, 
went lip the Hudson. On an island near Albany he 
constructed Fort Nassau.^ Two guns were mounted 
upon its walls, and ten men were left to garrison it. In 
a few months a flood destroyed it. Having completed 
his new ship, Block sailed through Long Island Sound, 
gave his name to a small island, explored Rhode (red) 
Island, and rounded Cape Cod. There he met Chris- 
tiansen, about to set out for Holland. Turning his ves- 
sel over to another,^ Block went home with his cour- 



^ His burnt ship was the Tiger, and his new vessel was the 
Restless having 16 tons burden. 

^ Named in honor of Maurice, Count of Nassau, Stadtholder of 
Holland. The French may have built a fort there in 1540. 

^ The new captain turned south and ascended the Delaware 
Biver as far as Philadelphia, where he foujid three of Christian- 



TUE FIRST SETTLEMENTS 11 

ageoiTs companion. Mey had gone farther south and 
had explored Delaware Bay.^ 

The Dutch Trading Company. — When the discoveries 
of Block and his associates were made known to ttie 
company, that body asked for a charter guaranteeing to 
them a monopoly of trade. The grant gave them ex- 
clusive trade rights for three years in l^ew Xetherland, 
a region defined as " between New France and Vir- 
ginia." The charter was renewed from time to time till 
1621. The company was very active in commercial 
lines, but did little for agricultural settlements. Chris- 
tiansen is said to have made '^ ten voyages " to Man- 
hattan. He was followed by other agents. Year by 
year the value of these trading expeditions increased. 
In 1617 another fortified storehouse was built near the 
ruins of Fort l^assau. 

Treaty with Indians. — There, in 1618, the Dutch 
made a famous treaty with the Iroquois, who " buried 
the tomahawk at a spot where the Dutch promised 
to build a church so that it could not be dug up." In 
their greed for furs the whites traded firearms and 
fire-water for them. These children of the forest 
danced with glee and loudly boasted that the scalps of 
every Frenchman and every Algonquin in Canada 
^vould soon be dangling at their belts. This friendly 
relation lasted during the Dutch period (1664) and was 
continued by the English. The Iroquois were always 
the warm allies of England — even in the American 



sen's men who had gone up the Mohawk, crossed over to the 
Delaware and were* descending it. 

^ One of the two capes guarding the bay still bears his name. 



12 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

devolution — and formed a barrier against attack from 
Canada. 

The English Puritans who had been driven to Holland 
hf persecution soon heard of the fine valley of the Hud- 
son. James I. refused them permission to settle on 
English soil in America, with a guarantee of religious 
liberty, so they turned to the Dutch fur-dealers for aid. 
Early in 1620, however, the States General refused 
them permission to settle in JSTew ^N^etherland. This 
was because the Dutch government feared an English 
colony in the midst of their new province uiight 
strengthen the claim to that region already made by 
England. Therefore the Puritans went to ]N^ew Eng- 
land instead of to New Netherland.^ 



Chapter IV. — New Nethekland Ruled by a 

Trading Company 

The West India Company. — The great wealth of this 
new land led to the formation of the West India Com- 
pany in 1621. In addition to extensive trading rights, 
it was clothed with an exclusive and almost unlimited 
power to plant colonies and to govern them.^ Until 
the company organized and began to act in 1623, voy- 
ages were made to New Netherland under special per- 
mits from the States General. 



* The grant given by King James to the Council for New Eng- 
land in 1620 included all of New Netherland. By accident the 
Mayflower, intended for Delaware Bay, reached Cape Cod. 

^ " It could make alliances and treaties, declare war and make 
peace. It was invested with the exclusive privilege to traffic 
and plant colonies on the coast of Africa from the Tropic of 



THE WE8T INDIA COMPANY 13 

First Permanent Settlements. — The first attempt to 
establish a permanent colony was made by this company 
in 1623. About thirty families of Walloons, who, like 
the Puritans, had fled from religious persecution to Bel- 
gium, were sent over to serve the company, under Cap- 
tain Mey. Eight persons were left at Manhattan, 
where Fort Amsterdam was begun. Another party 
settled on Long Island where the Brooklyn navy yard is 
now located. The rest went up the Hudson and built 
Fort Orange where Albany now stands. Eighteen 
families under Adrian Joris were left to make a per- 
manent settlement. A fourth colony was established 
near Gloucester, N. J., and a second Fort Nassau built 
there. This was the beginning of real colonization in 
New Netherland. 

First Directors. — Captain Mey's ship returned to Hol- 
land laden with furs, but its commander remained in 
the province as its first director or governor. After 
a few months, however, he was succeeded by William 
Verhulst. In 1625 horses, cattle, swine, sheep, seeds, 
and other things needed for farming arrived. The popu- 
lation numbered about two hundred. New Netherland 
w^as now definitely founded. By 1626 samples of 
" wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary-seed, 
beans, and flax " were sent to Holland, together with 
7,246 beaver-skins, 853 otter-skins, 81 mink-skins, 36 
wildcat-skins, and 34 rat-skins, and some samples of 
oak and hickory timber. 

Peter Minuit w^as the first governor appointed by the 
company (1626). To assist him he was given a 

Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope, and on the coast of America 
from the Straits of Magellan to the remotest north." 



1^ SHORT msTonr of the state of new york 

" council invested mtli all local, legislative, judicial, 
and executive powers, subject to the supervision . . . 
of the Chamber at Amsterdam.'^ He found a \dllage 
of thirty families on Manhattan, and bought the island 
of the Indians '^ for the value of sixty guilders," or 
about twenty-four gold dollars, in beads and cloth.^ 
The southern part of the island was marked out for a 
" battery," and there Fort Amsterdam w^as built. 
From the settlements at Fort Orange and ^N^ew Amster- 
dam small groups went forth to colonize JSTew Nether- 
land. Brooklyn was probably settled as early as 1625 
at Walloon Bav. In 1636 a house was built at Gow- 
anes, on Long Island, and ten years later a town govern- 
ment was organized. 

Land Titles. — Minuit began a correspondence with the 
Puritans at Plymouth, shortly after his arrival, to es- 
tablish friendly relations. In 1627 a trade treaty was 
made, but AVilliam Bradford, the Puritan governor, 
warned the Dutch " to clear their title " to New ISTether- 
land without delay. England's eye was on New Nether- 
land, which she claimed as hers by right of discovery, 
and which she was to conquer in just thirty-seven years. 
Meanwhile some Dutch traders had bought of the In- 
dians land at the mouth of the Connecticut Piver. 
When their trade was threatened by the Puritans, they 
purchased another tract sixty miles up-stream, and built 
Fort Good Hope in 1633. Governor Winthrop of 

"■^At the same time Governor's Island and Staten Island were 
purchased. The 22,000 acres on Manhattan are now the most 
valuable in the world. Had the amount paid for the island been 
put on interest at six per cent (compound), it would now amount 
to about $122,500,000. 



THE WEST INDIA COMPANY 15 

Massaclinsetts Baj^ told them that these were English 
lands and refused to arbitrate the question. Soon the 
English had a colony at Windsor, and within twenty 
years they were in complete possession of the Connecti- 
cut Valley. 

Patroon System. — To increase the income from the 
fur-trade, the company planned to people the fertile 
lands. The population was only about two hundred 
and seventy in 1628. To encourage emigration, a char- 
ter, granted in 1629, gave to any member of the com- 
pany, who bought a piece of land from the natives and 
planted a colony of forty-eight persons on it within six 
years, a manor ^^ six miles along the coast, or on both 
sides of a navigable river,'' ^ with the title of patroon. 
These lords were to have feudal rights over their ten- 
ants, trading privileges along the seacoast, freedom to 
fish and to make salt, and a representative in the gover- 
nor's council. 

Van Rensselaer and Pauw. — The offer produced im.- 
mediate results. In 1630 Killian Van Rensselaer, a 
director of the company, bought a tract on the Hudson 
at Albany. In 1637 Rensselaerwyck was forty-eight 
miles long and twenty-four miles wide and covered 
nearly three counties. When the first patroon died 
(1646), over two hundred colonists had been sent to his 
estate. Michael Pauw^ secured Hoboken and Staten 
Island. Others settled on the Delaware. Of the eight 
patroons in the company only one. Van Rensselaer, 
made a success. The system was a hindrance to the 
colony's prosperity. The patroons quarreled with their 

* These are Dutch miles, which are equal to four English miles 
each. Docs. rel. to N. 7. Col Hist., VII., 334. 



16 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tenants, with tlie governors, and with the company, 
which they sought to exclude from trade in their dis- 
tricts, although they bought and sold w^here they 
pleased. Finally, to settle disputes, the company pur- 
chased the claims of some patroons and regulated the 
pretensions of the rest. 

Swedes on the Delaware. — After Minuit's recall 
(1631), he went to Sweden and persuaded the great 
Oxenstierna ^ to send him to America to plant a colony. 
Without permission from the Dutch, he settled up the 
Delaware on the patroon grant now vacant. He bought 
the territory between Cape Henlopen and the Delaware 
Falls of the red men in 1638 and called it 'New Sweden. 
At Wilmington they built dwellings, a church, and a 
fort, and called the place Christina. 

"Walter Van Twiller, who followed Minuit as gover- 
nor, was slow, inefficient, given to drink, and always 
wrangling with his officers. But he was shrewd in 
business w^ays, so that on his retirement in 1637 he was 
a rich man. He owned a fertile tract on Long Island, 
where Flatlands sprang up, and also some of the small 
islands around Manhattan. Under Van Twiller the 
little town on Manhattan was named New Amsterdam. 

^ He was an educated Swedish statesman, who served as chancel- 
lor under Gustavus Adolphus and took a leading part in the 
Thirty Years' War. He ruled Sweden during the minority of 
the daughter of Gustavus, and died in 1654. 



THE ADMimSTRATION OP OOVERNOH KIEFT 1? 



Chapter V. — The Administration of Governor 

KlEFT 

William Kieft, the next governor (1638), found the 
company's interests sadly neglected. The six bower- 
ies, or farms, on Manhattan Island were without tenants 
or stock, the windmills were broken, and the fort needed 
repair. The company was cheated out of its profits in 
the fur-trade by private traders and even by the agents 
themselves. The patroon system and the paternalism 
of the corporation kept the colony a mere trading-post. 
Kieft reduced his advisory council to one person and 
ruled as an autocrat. 

Beneficial Changes. — The company now made some 
changes which mark a new era. Monopolies in trade 
and land were abolished. The fur-trade and ownership 
in land were thrown open to the w^orld. The prohibition 
on manufactures was removed. A farmer willing to go 
was carried to ^ew ^NTetherland with his family free 
of charge and was given a farm, house and barn, horses, 
stock, and tools, for which he paid about two hundred 
dollars rent yearly for six years. The company re- 
tained only small duties on trade and the transportation 
service.. The patroons were restricted to a water-front 
of one mile and a depth of two, but still held their 
feudal rights (1640). 

Results of the Changes. — The effect of these measures 
■was soon seen. The few farms on Manhattan increased 
to over thirty. Large companies as well as single fam- 
ilies came. De Vries planted a colony on Staten Island 
(1638), and others followed. Englishmen arrived from 



18 SHOUT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YOUR 

Virginia to raise tobacco or fruit. Others from 'New 
England settled eastern Long Island (1639). Green- 
wich, within thirty miles of New Amsterdam, was also 
begnn. After acknowledging allegiance to the Dutch 
government these foreigners were given equal rights. 
Had Kieft avoided war with the natives, this colony 
would soon have been one of the most flourishing on the 
Atlantic coast. 

Indian Troubles. — Free trade in furs led greedy 
traders to sell arms and liquor to the Indians, although 
the company prohibited the sale of fire-arms under the 
penalty of death. Kieft's mad policy of taxing the 
Algonquins in return for protection only angered them. 
On worthless evidence that the Raritans had crossed to 
Staten Island, stolen some of De Vries's hogs, and at- 
tacked a trading-yacht, Kieft sent out fifty men w^ho 
slew several Indian warriors and burned their crops 
(1641). In revenge the Raritans destroyed De Vries's 
plantation and killed his people. Then Kieft offered ten 
fathoms of w^ampum for the head of every Karitan. 
This meant war. 

The " Twelve Men " and the " Eight Men." — Fifteen 
years before this, an Indian and his young nephew from 
near Yonkers had gone to New Amsterdam to sell furs. 
The uncle was waylaid and slain. The nephew vowed 
vengeance and in 1641 killed a white settler. His tribe 
refused to give up the murderer. Kieft, resolved on 
war, called the heads of families to meet in the fort. 
They chose a committee of " Twelve Select Men " to ad- 
vise with the governor (Aug. 29, 1641). These Twelve 
Men demanded the murderer, but refused to consent to 
war. Five months later they promised to support 



THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR KIEFT 19 

Kieft's war plans in return for a redress of grievances. 
They wanted a council chosen by the people. The gov- 
ernor, however, ended the matter by dissolving the com- 
mittee. A few years leter, in 1643, he was forced to 
appeal to the Eight Men, chosen by popular vote, to 
meet war expenses and to conclude peace. The Eight 
demanded popular rights as firmly as had the Twelve. 

Kieft Attacks Indians. — In the progress of the war a 
party of Mohawks, armed with muskets, descended the 
Hudson to claim tribute from the River Indians. The 
claim was enforced by killing and capture. A panic^ 
seized the Algonquins. They fled to Pavonia and Cor- 
lears Hook near I^ew Amsterdam to implore protection 
from the Dutch. Against the advice of his best friends 
Ivieft, bent on revenge, sent two hostile forces against 
the terror-stricken natives. At Pavonia over eighty 
Indians were slain, and at Corlears Hook about forty 
(1643). 

Results. — This insane act arrayed more than a dozen 
Algonquin tribes against the Dutch. Sixteen hundred 
red men were killed, while terrible destruction to life 
and property fell upon the whites. l^o part of the 
province except Xew Sweden and Rensselaerwyck es- 
caped the ravages of war. Finally, with the aid of 
the brave Captain John Underbill, who had recently 
settled on Long Island from E'ew England, the In- 
dians were forced to sue for peace. The Mohawk 
chiefs, acting in behalf of the Algonquins, signed a 
treaty at Fort Amsterdam in 1645.^ 



* A young daughter of Mrs. Anne Hutchinson was surrendered 
at this treaty. Mrs. Hutchinson, with other free-thinkers, had 
left New England and settled in New Netherland. Dui-ing the 



20 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Recall of Kieft. — September 6, 1645, was observed as 
a day of thanksgiving, but Kieft's life was in danger 
from the rage of his people. Complaints, loud and nu- 
merous, were sent to the company, and he was recalled. 
When he sailed for Holland he took with him bags of 
guilders equal in value to $160,000, but off the coast 
of Wales the vessel was dashed to pieces and the de- 
posed governor, with Dominie Bogardus and about 
eighty others, was drowned (1647). 



Chapter VI. — The End of the Dutch Period 

Peter Stuyvesant Governor. — Happy were the people 
when Peter Stuyvesant arrived as their governor (May, 

1647). He was a college man 
and a soldier. " A valiant, 
w^eather-beaten, mettlesome, 
obstinate, leathern-sided, lion- 
hearted, generous-spirited old 
governor " was he, says Knick- 
bocker. He had lost a leg in 
battle and wore a Avooden one 
with silver bands, hence he 
w^as called '^ the governor with 
the silver leg." He strutted 
about new Amsterdam ^' like 
a peacock — as if he were the 
czar,'' and told the burghers, '' I shall govern you as 
a father his children,'' 




PETER STUYVESANT 



Indian war her house was attacked and she and all her faiiSly 
were killed except this daughter (1643). 



THE END OF THE DUTCH PERIOD 21 

The *' Nine Men." — " Peter the headstrong " was ex- 
pected to guard the company's rights and lands, to pre- 
serve peace with the Indians, to strengthen the fort, and 
to develop the colony. To do these things he must have 
money, and that could be had only by taxing the people. 
With that object in mind, he ordered the people of New 
Amsterdam, Brooklyn, Amersfoort, and Pavonia to 
nominate " eighteen of the most notable, reasonable, 
honest, and respectable " persons from whom he could 
select nine men to assist him, when called upon, about 
the general welfare. The relations between Stuyvesant 
and the Nine Men were not always harmonious. He 
was arbitrary, while they strove to secure more privi- 
leges for the people. Their first victory was a govern- 
ment for New Amsterdam with local officers who were 
both " aldermen and justices.'' 

Stuyvesant' s Troubles. — Most of Stuyvesant's time was 
taken up by quarrels with patroons, with the English 
on the Connecticut Eiver, and with the Swedes on the 
Delaware. The patroon of Rensselaerwyck denied the 
governor's jurisdiction and defied him. But by 1650 
the government of Holland sustained Stuyvesant 
in every point and crushed the patroon's independ- 
ence. The contest over Connecticut Piver ended by 
a treaty which gave the English half of Long Island and 
nearly all of Connecticut. A party from New England 
w^as not allowed to locate on the Delaware, and a fort 
was built near Christina (1651). Its capture by the 
Swedes (1654) led the company to order Stuyvesant 
to " avenge the wrong." With six hundred men he 
forced the Swedes to surrender (1655), and those who 



22 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

refused to swear allegiance were sent to Holland for 
trial. 

Indians Attack New Amsterdam. — While Stujvesant 
was away on this expedition, a large body of Indians 
attacked I^ew Amsterdam. Kepulsed, they crossed to 
Pavonia and Stat en Island, laid waste the farms, and 
killed or captured two hundred and fifty persons. 
Stuyvesant was sent for. He ransomed the prisoners 
and made peace. Some time later, however, an attack 
was made on Esopus, and sixty-six were killed or carried 
away (1663). 

England Claims New Netherland. — England had never 
given up her claim to l^ew ^N^etherland, which was based 
on the discoveries of the Cabots in 1497 and 1498 and 
on the exploration of Hudson. In 1662 the settlers in 
Connecticut secured from Charles II., the English king, 
a grant of land reaching across the continent. This 
included a large part of Xew Xetherland. But two 
years later the king revoked the gift and conveyed by 
patent to his brother James, the Duke of York, a tract 
of land which included New ^Netherland (1664). 

The duke at once sent out an armed fleet to secure his 
gift. In August, 1664, Colonel Richard Xicolls ap- 
peared before ISTew Amsterdam, now a, city of 1,500 
people, with 450 English soldiers and some Connecticut 
volunteers, and demanded its surrender. Though the 
stone fort with its twenty cannon was in a poor con- 
dition for defense, Stuyvesant, the brave old soldier, 
declared, " I would rather be carried to my grave than 
yield." In his anger, he tore the letter of XicoUs to 
pieces and threw the fragments on the floor. But the 
people, many of whom were English, urged him to sur- 



THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE DUTCH 23 

render. They were dissatisfied witli tlie governor's ar- 
bitrary ways, and disgusted with the neglect of the com- 
pany. Men, women, and children, even his own son, 
begged him not to provoke the English fleet to fire on 
the city, and the white flag was run up. Dutch rule in 
!N'ew Netherland came to an end (September). 

Stuyvesant's Death. — A year later Stuyvesant went to 
Holland in obedience to a summons from his employers. 
They demanded his punishment, but testimony from 
j^ew Amsterdam completely vindicated him. In 1667 
he returned to Xew York, where he lived until his 
death, in 1682, on his farm, or bowery, from which 
the Bowery in Xew York is named. His body was 
placed in a vault of St. Mark's Church, and there 
his memorial may still be seen. He will remain, after 
Hudson, the hero of the Dutch period. He was a ster- 
ling gentleman of the old type, without a particle of 
respect for popular liberty, but loyal and honest and 
brave. 



Chapter YII. — The Iis^stitutions of the Dutch 

Political Ideas. — The institutions and customs which 
were planted in Xew York by the Dutch have played an 
important part in the history of the state. While the 
form of government was harsh and despotic under the 
company, still Holland was a republic and ideas of 
popular government were carried to the ^ew World 
by Dutch burghers, French Huguenots, and English 
Puritans. These liberal ideas about politics were the 
germs from which developed a great republic. 



24 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Education. — Despite the hardships of a new country 
the Dutch did not neglect education. The early set- 
tlers brought schoolmasters from Holland. The estab- 
lishment of schools and the appointment of schoolmas- 
ters rested with the company. The duties of a school- 
master were numerous ; he was court-messenger, church- 
sexton, psalm-setter, grave-digger, lay reader, and 
^' comforter of the sick." Every teacher, public and pri- 
vate, had to have a license from the civil and ecclesias- 
tical authorities. The first schoolmaster sent to the 
colony by the company was in 1633. He received his 
pay partly from the company, partly from Kew Am- 
sterdam, and partly from each pupil. In 1638 the first 
public tax for schools was levied, and in 1653 N^ew Am- 
sterdam agreed to support one schoolmaster. The 
company and this city supplied the neighboring settle- 
ments with teachers. Children were taught arithmetic, 
reading, writing, spelling, and the catechism. In 1658 
Alexander Carolus Curtius opened a Latin school and 
drew from the public treasury of New Amsterdam an- 
nually $187.50, " was provided with a house and garden, 
and received six guilders from each pupil." Although 
the authorities encouraged education, yet on account of 
the lack of free schools " the mass of the people . . . 
at Manhattan were unable or ill qualified to either read 
or write " (1642).i 

Churches. — In 1628 was formed a Dutch Reformed 
church, with the Rev. Jonas Michaelius as minister. 
^^ It was the first fully organized church in the United 
States." Dominie Everardus Bogardus came over in 

^ See Docs. rel. to N. J. Col, Hist., I., 300, 423. 



THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE DUTCH 25 

1633 with director Van Twiller. Soon a minister of 
the Dutch Reformed faith was stationed at Flatbush, 
Brooklyn, Rensselaerswyck, and Fort Orange. At first 
there was a disposition among the Dutch to exclude all 
churches except those of the Reformed creed. A few 
Quakers were banished, some members of the Church 
of England were persecuted, and Stuyvesani^ tried to 
drive out the Lutheran Church, but the company stood 
for religious freedom. They said : " Let every one re- 
main free as long as he is modest and moderate, and does 
not offend others, or oppose the government." Hence 
Catholics, Protestants, and Jews worshiped as they 
pleased. Many persons fled from ^ew England to secure 
libertv of conscience in ^New l^etherland. At the end of 
Dutch rule no less than fourteen different churches were 
found in the province. Father Isaac Jogues, a French 
Catholic, and Rev. John Megapolensis of the Dutch 
Reformed Church, did splendid missionary work among 
the Indians. 

Industry. — Under a greedy trading company it was 
but natural that industry should be hampered. To 
make money through trade was the prime object, hence 
agriculture and manufacturing were not encouraged. 
At first traffic in furs was the chief occupation. AVith 
the patroons came farming, but it was of an inferior 
kind because few of the farmers owned their lands. 
There were no factories. The people were employed in 
clearing land, making roads, and building houses and 
barns. Their wants were not many and easily satisfied. 

^ In vindication of the governors it ought to be stated that 
their oath of office required them to support " the Reformed 
Religion." 



26 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

They lived on what few things they raised on their 
farms, the same of the forest and fish from the streams, 
and milk, cheese, and butter. Simple indeed was the in- 
dustrial life of the city and province which, within three 
centuries, were to become the industrial center of the 
world. 

Society. — l^ew Amsterdam and Fort Orange were the 
two centers of activity. In 1653 the former place was 
incorporated as a village of less than a thousand people. 
The hogs rooted up '^ Broadway " ^ so much that an or- 
dinance compelled their owners to ptit rings in their 
noses, and the cows grazed on the side of the roads. 
The gardens and yards were large. The log houses 
soon gave away to substantial buildings. These 
solid Dutch houses may still be seen along the 
Hudson. On the fort grounds were a stone church, the 
governor's house, storehouses, and barracks. Rows of 
small houses, occupied by mechanics and laborers, were 
just outside the grounds. Four or five himdred houses 
were scattered over the island and the neighboring 
shores. The best were of brick or stone, covered with 
tiles, a story and a half high, with a big broad '' stoop," 
and deep windows with small glass panes. Inside were 
broad halls, sanded floors, fine furniture from Holland, 
a high clock, crockery in abundance, pewter articles for 
the table and the big fireplaces. Fort Orange, in 1643, 
^^ contained several houses, and behind it was a small 
church. Some twenty-five or thirty houses, roughly 
built of boards and roofed with thatch, were scattered 



' Its name was then " Heeren Straat " (the Gentlemen's Street) 
and shows that it was early the principal street. 



THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE DUTCH 27 

at intervals on or near the borders of the Hudson, 
above and below the fort." 

Society was divided into classes. The aristocratic 
landowners and traders stood at the top of the social 
scale; then came the independent farmers, small traders, 
and professional men; these were followed by the com- 
mon laborers and tenants; and at the bottom were the 
slaves. Negro slavery was very prevalent. '^ Stuyve- 
sant was instructed to promote the sale of negroes," and 
at one time there v/ere more slaves in New Netherland 
than in any other American colony. The principal 
nations in Europe had representatives among the people 
of this province, and Father Jogues was told that 
eighteen different languages were spoken. Very early 
New York began to be cosmopolitan. Few of the 
settlers were lazy and none were paupers. Criminals 
were punished severely. Banishment, boring the 
tongue with a red-hot iron, the ducking-stool and the 
gallows were forms of punishment. The Dutch rose 
early and went to bed at sunset. They ate potatoes, 
cabbages, asparagus, barley-bread, clams, doughnuts, 
game and poultry; and drank buttermilk, tea and wines. 
They were also great smokers. They wore clothes of 
linsey-woolsey with plenty of bright ornaments. New- 
year's day was the gayest of the year; on Easter they 
colored eggs and "cracked" them; and on Christmas 
came Santa Claus with his presents and good cheer. 



28 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

I. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1609-1664 
I. Primary Sources 

O'Callaghan, " Documents relative to the Colonial History of 

New York," Vols. 1, 2, 3, 9, 12, 13, and 14. 
O'Callaghan, " Documentary History of the State of New York," 

Vols. 1, 2, 3, and 4. 
O'Callaghan, " Calendar of Historical Manuscripts," Part I. 

(1630-1664). 
O'Callaghan, "The Register of New Netherland " (1626-1674). 
New York Historical Society " Collections." 
Munsell, " Annals of Albany," Vols. 1, 2, 3, and 4. 
Munsell, " Collections on the History of Albany," I. 
Fernow, "The Records of New Amsterdam" (1653-1674). 7 vols. 
O'Callaghan, " Laws and Ordinances of New Netherland ( 1638- 

1674). 
Thwaites, "The Jesuit Relations" (1609-1691). 54 volumes. 
Colden, " History of the Five Nations." 
Hart, "American History told by Contemporaries," I. 
" Old South Leaflets." 4 vols. 

2. Secondary Sources 

O'Callaghan, "The History of New Netherland." 2 vols. 
Smith, " The History of the Late Province of New York." 
Yates and Moulton, " History of the State of New York." 
Dunlap, " History of New Netherland," etc., I., pp. 1-86. 
Brodhead, "History of the State of New York," I., pp. 1-765. 
Macauley, " Natural, Statistical, and Civil History of the State ol 

New York." 3 vols. 
Barber and Howe, " Historical Collections of the State of New 

York." 
Lossing, " Empire State," pp. 1-84. 
Schuyler, " Colonial New York," L 
Earle, " Colonial Days in Old New York." 
Roberts, " New York," I., pp. 1-178. 
Wilson, " Memorial History of the City of New York," I., pp. 

1-307. 
Bancroft, " History of the United States," I., pp. 475-518. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1609-16G4 29 

Abbott, "Peter Stuyvesant." 

Hildreth, " History of the United States," I., pp. 130, 413. 

Bryant and Gay's " Popular History of the United States," I., 
pp. 339, 429; II., p. 115. 

Lamb, " History of the City of New York," I., pp. 1-218. 

Booth, " History of the City of New York," pp. 1-156. 

Eoosevelt, " New York," pp. 1-38. 

Todd, " Story of the City of New York." 

Disosway, "' Earliest Churches of New York." 

Davis, " History of New Amsterdam." 

Trask, " Bowling Green." 

Weise, " History of the City of Albany." 

Fiske, " The Dutch and Quaker Colonies in America," I. 

Fisher, "Men, Women, and Manners in Colonial Times," II., pp. 
9-147. 

Goodwin and others, "Historic New York" (Half Moon Papers). 
2 vols. 

Flint, " Early Long Island," pp. 1-293. 

Thompson, " History of Long Island," pp. 1-90. 

Stiles, " History of the City of Brooklyn," L, pp. 1-166. 

McManus, " How the Dutch came to Manhattan." 

Valentine, " History of the City of New York." 

Brooks, "The Story of New York," pp. 1-53. 

Parkman, " Pioneers of France in the New World." 

Parkman, " Jesuits in North America." 

Parkman, " Frontenac and New France under Louis XIV." 

Palmer, "History of Lake Champlain " (1609-1814). 

Winsor, " Narrative and Critical History of America," IV., pp. 
395-443. 

Beauchamp, " Indian Homes in New York," " Aboriginal Settle- 
ment of New York," etc., etc. 

Tooker, " The Algonquin Series." 

Schoolcraft, " Notes on the Iroquois." 

Morgan, " History of the Iroquois Confederacy." 

Read, " Henry Hudson." 

Murphy, " Henry Hudson in Holland." 

Asher, " Henry Hudson the Navigator." 

Tuckerman, " Peter Stuyvesant." 

Historical Magazines. 

Local Histories. 



80 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

3. Fiction 

Barr, "Bow of Orange Eibbon." 
Parker, "Constance Aylmer " (1650). 
Paulding, "The Dutchman's Fireside." 

" Bobk of St. Nicholas." 
Irving, "Knickerbocker's History of New York." 



CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 

1000 B.C. Probable date of " Mound-Builde: s." 
1003 A.D. Possible visit of the Norsemen. 
1405. Invasion of the Iroquois. 
1492. Columbus discovers America. 
1497-8. Conjectured voyage of the Cabots. 

1524. Supposed discovery of Verrazano. 

1525. Gomez calls the Hudson River San Antonio. 
1556. Thevet's visit to New York harbor. 

1609. (July). Champlain enters New York from Canada. 
" (Sept.). Hudson enters ""'"ew York Bay. 

1612. Christiansen and Block sail for Manhattan. 

1613. Small settlement on Manhattan Island. 

" Fort Nassau built on Castle Island below Albany. 
" The " Onrest " launched at the Battery. 

1614. (Oct. 11). Amsterdam merchants given a trading charter. 
" Block's discovery of Connecticut. 

1615. (Oct.). Champlain invades New York a second time. 

1616. Kingston first settled. 

1617. "Treaty of Tawasenetha " near Albany. 

1618. Renewal of trade charter refused. 

1620. (April). Puritans refused right to settle in New Nether- 

land. 

1621. (June). Dutch West India Company chartered. 

1622. (Dec). Company takes possession. 

1623. Walloons settle Albany. Fort Orange built. 

1624. Colonists sent over in the " New Netherland." 
" Mey sent out as Director. 

1625. Verhulst succeeds Mey as Director. 
" Brooklyn settled. 

1626. Minuit arrives as the first Director-General. 
" (May). Manhattan Island bought for $24. 



CnnONOLOOtCAL SUMMARY 31 

1626. (Oct.). Friendly relations with Plymouth established. 

1629. (June). "Patroons" created by States General. 

1630. Patroonship of Rensselaerswyck at Fort Orange purchased. 
" Patroon of Pavonia created. 

1632. Patroons quarrel with Company. 
" England claims New Netherland. 
" Minuit recalled. 

1633. Van Twiller made Director-General. 
" Fort Amsterdam built. 

" Settlement on Manhattan called New Amsterdam. 
" Fort Good Hope built on the Connecticut. 
" English remonstrate. 
1636. Van Twiller recalled. 
" West India Company buys back Pavonia. 

1638. (March). Kieft arrives as Governor. 

" Swedes build Fort Christina on the Delaware. 

1639. New Charter of Privileges granted the colonists. 

1640. Purchase of tracts in Kings and Queens counties. 
" Kieft cuts off trade with Connecticut. 

" Kieft sends armed force against Raritan Indians. 

" De Vries's plantation burned, 

11.641. War declared against savages. 

" (Aug.). Council of people called. 

" "Twelve Men" appointed. 

1642. Kieft dismisses "Twelve Men." 
" Cliurch built in the fort. 

" City tavern erected. 

1643. (Feb.). Massacre of Indians. 
" Colonists attacked in turn. 
" Hempstead begun. 

" The " Eight Men " summoned. 

1644. New Haven helps New Amsterdam. 
" Massacre of Long Island Indians. 

1645. General peace concluded on Bowling Green. 
" Flushing settled. 

1646. Yonkers started. 

1647. Kieft replaced by Stuyvesant as Governor. 
" Kuyter and Melyn banished. 

" " Nine Men " organized. 
" Dutch and English boundaries settled. 
1652. Burgher governments at Manhattan and Brooklyn. 



32 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

1653. Assembly of the villages called. 

1654. English intrigue to conquer the Dutch. 
" Oswego settled. 

1655. Dutch conquest of New Sweden. 
" General Indian outbreak quelled. 

1656. Jamaica started. 

1657. Kingston (Esopus) begun. 

1658. Streets paved in New Amsterdam. 

1659. Treaty of peace with the Iroquois. 

1660. Treaty with the other Indians. 

1661. Schenectady settled. 

" Police and Fire departments organized. 
1664. New Netherland granted to the Duke of York. 
" (Sept. 3). New Netherland surrenders to the English. 



11. THE EI^GLISH PEKIOD. 1664-1Y76 

Chapter VIIL — The First Deoade of English Rule 

Changes in New York. — With the surrender of ^ew 
Amsterdam to !N^icolls eight or nine thousand colonists 
became English subjects. But the chief changes were 
in names rather than institutions. 'New ITetherland be- 
came New York, and Kicolls was the first English gov- 
ernor. The burgomasters became magistrates; the 
schepens, aldermen; the schouts, sheriffs; the koopmen, 
secretaries. New Amsterdam was renamed N^ew York, 
while Fort Amsterdam was called Fort James. Fort 
Orange was changed to Albany, and Esopus to Kings- 
ton. 

Popular Convention. — Mcolls had received minute in- 
structions how to govern the captured province. He in- 
vited the towns to send two delegates to a general meet- 
ing to be held at Hempstead (March 1, 1665). Thirty- 
four delegates responded, hoping to receive for the 
people the coveted liberty of New England, and the 
right to elect their own officers and to tax themselves. 
Instead they were only permitted to accept a previously 
prepared code of '' The Duke's Laws '' intended to 
gradually replace the Dutch laws. Religious liberty, 
equal taxation, Dutch customs, and the security of land 
titles were guaranteed, but the governor was directed 

33 



S4 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

to appoint all officers and to impose all taxes. The 
landholders were required to renew their titles, the fees 
for which w^ent into the governor's pocket. 

NicoUs was not as able a ruler as Stuyvesant, but he 
knew how to manage the people. Although he ruled a 
people who were mostly Dutch and was forced to lay 
heavy taxes on them to secure the province against 
attack, yet his popularity with the Dutch was greater 
than with the English colonists. The dispute with Con- 
necticut over boundaries was settled by a compromise. 
The Duke of York received Long Island, and Connecti- 
cut obtained land which determined her western bound- 
ary line in 1683. The town of I^ew York was granted 
a city charter and Thomas Willet was appointed first 
mayor (1665).-^ 

The Dutch Recapture New York- — In 1667 Mcolls, 
after three years of creditable rule, gave up his office, 
preferring to win glory on European battle-fields. 
Lord Francis Lovelace succeeded him. He soon made 
enemies of the people. In answer to a petition from 
the towns against unjust taxes, he ordered the paper 
burned and said that the people should have no liberty. 
During his rule war broke out between England and 
Holland. A Dutch fieet entered New York harbor, 
six hundred men were landed above the city and were 
joined by four hundred Dutch, when the English com- 
mander surrendered. In a few days all New York, 
New Jersey, and Delaware were again under Dutch con- 

^ Thomas Willet was an Englishman who had lived among the 
Puritans at Leyden, Holland, and at Plymouth, Mass. At the 
latter place he had succeeded Miles Standish as captain of the 
militia. He died in 1674, and is buried at East Providence, R. I. 



THE FIRST VICTORY ITOR SELF- GOVERNMENT 35 

trol. The blustering Captain Anthony Colve was made 
governor and the province again became New Nether- 
land (Aug., 1673), but for a brief time only. Early in 
1674 a treaty ended the war, and after fifteen months 
the English regained possession of New York (Nov.). 
Condition of the Colony. — During this period the popu- 
lation had increased to ten thousand, six thousand of 
whom were Dutch. Each town was required to build 
a church. " Almost every settlement had a regular 
school taught by more or less permanent teachers." 
Settlements w^ere spreading up the Hudson and the Mo- 
hawk. The relations with the Indians were friendly 
and profitable. The first post-rider carried " letters 
and small portable goods '' to Boston and return 
monthly (1673). Trade and commerce were thriving. 
The English and Dutch were gradually intermingling 
and the colony was generally prosperous. Along the 
line of political liberty, however, but little progress had 
been made. For a hundred years New York was to 
remain in the hands of the English. 



Chapter IX. — The First Victory for Self- 
government 

Governor Andros. — To make the grant doubly good 
the king gave to the Duke of York a second deed. The 
duke had already sold New Jersey to Berkeley and Car- 
teret, but now contended that the Jersey grants 
were still tributary to New York. To guard his in- 
terests the duke made Edmund Andros governor over 
the whole country from the Connecticut Eiver to Lord 



S6 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Baltimore's domain. To establish the claim Andres 
first sailed with armed sloops to the Connecticut Eiver. 
At Fort Saybrook he was defeated and forced to re- 
turn to ]^ew York. His effort to rule New Jersey was 
resisted by the legislature and baffled. Even in New 
York his administration was rather unsuccessful be- 
cause he adhered too strictly to instructions from the 
duke. The people demanded a share in legislation, but 
the duke said, '' I cannot but suspect assemblies would 
be of dangerous consequences." 

His Description of New York. — When Andros re- 
turned to England in 1678 to be knighted, he wrote a 
fine description of New York. This showed the char- 
acter of the government. There were twenty-four towns 
in the colony. A few of the buildings were of stone or 
brick, but most were wooden. The province exported 
about 60,000 bushels of wheat, and also peas, beef, pork, 
fish, tobacco, furs, timber, horses, pitch and tar. All 
the estates were valued at about $900,000. " Some 
few of all nations " were in the colony. Ministers 
were so scarce and religions so many that the list of 
births, marriages, and deaths could not be given. There 
were no beggars and few slaves. Andros's enemies at 
court secured his dismissal in 1680. He had reorganized 
the militia, strengthened the defenses, increased trade, 
raised the social condition of the people, and held the 
Iroquois faithful allies of the English. 

First General Assembly. — In 1683 Thomas Dongan 
arrived in the province as governor of the duke's pos- 
sessions in America. One of his first acts was to ap- 
point a council " of not more than ten men " to aid him 
in conducting the government. Obeying the duke's in- 



THE FIRST VJOTOBY FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT 37 

structions and the " desires of the colony," Dongan 
called a general assembly of the freeholders. Seven- 
teen delegates were elected, and these with the gover- 
nor and his council constituted the legislature. This 
first assembly met in Fort James and adopted fourteen 
acts, the most important being the " Charter of Liber- 
ties." This document declared that " the supreme 
legislative authority shall forever be and reside in a 
governor, council, and the people met in general as- 
sembly," and also that no tax shall be imposed except 
by consent of the assembly. Both the governor and the 
duke signed the charter. The duke reserved a A^eto on 
all laws, however. In 1685 the duke, as king of Eng- 
land, repudiated the charter of freedom. 

Important Laws. — This newly organized government 
passed some excellent laws. One divided Xew York into 
ten counties — Xew York, Eichmond, Kings, Queens, 
Suffolk, Westchester, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, and 
Albany.^ Another important act provided for four 
distinct courts : town courts, for the trial of small cases, 
to be held monthly; county courts, to be held quarterly; 
a general court, to sit twice a year in each county; and a 
supreme court of chancery, composed of the governor 
and council. Appeals could be made to the king. A 
third law provided for the naturalization of foreigners 
upon very easy terms. Dongan gave the city of ^NTew 
York a charter (1686).2 

Boundary Disputes. — The eastern and northern bound- 
aries of New York engaged the attention of Dongan. 

^ Duke's county and Cornwall county included lands outside of 
New York. 

2 See Wilson, Mem. Hist, of X. Y., 1., 437. 



38 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

In 1683 lie and his council went to Connecticut to 
settle the disputed line. After the customary wrang- 
ling, the boundary was fixed at twenty miles east of the 
Hudson. That was about as it is now. The .exact 'line 
was established in 1731. To the north and west the 
English claimed all the lands which the Dutch had 
secured from the Indians through purchase or by treaty. 
When William Penn tried to buy land from the 
Iroquois in ^ew York (1683) they refused to sell with- 
out the consent of the English governor. When the 
Senecas attacked the French (1684) the governor of 
Canada complained to Dongan and threatened to punish 
them. But Dongan told him the Senecas were under 
the duke's protection, and warned him not to invade the 
duke's territory. At Albany Dongan met the Eive 
Nations, who smoked " the pipe of peace," acknowl- 
edged the English king as their great sachem, and con- 
firmed Dongan's claim to the St. Lawrence River, Lake 
Ontario, and the Niagara River as the northern bound- 
ary of New York. For years, however, the French con- 
tested this claim. 

Livingston Manor. — To Robert Livingston,^ the son 
of a Scotch divine, was granted a large tract on the east 
side of the Hudson adjoining Rensselaerswyck manor 
in what are now Dutchess and Columbia counties 
(1686). George I. confirmed the grant of Livingston 

^ He came to America from Holland in 1674. He was a sur- 
veyor and well versed in both English and Dutch law. He settled 
up the Hudson, where he soon became a man of wealth and 
power. He also held many prominent offices in the colony and 
by marriage was connected with the Schuylers and Van Rens- 
selaers. 



THE FIRST VICTORY FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT 39 

manor in 1715. This family played an important part 
in the history of I^Tew York. 

New York a Crown Colony. — Upon the death of 
Charles II. his brother, the Duke of York, who owned 
such extensive possessions in America, succeeded him on 
the English throne. This made E'ew York a crown col- 
ony, depending upon the will or whim of the king. 
Under this new relationship the king refused to renew 
his sanction of the Charter of Liberties, and sent or- 
ders to have the general assembly dissolved on the 
ground that too much power had been given to the 
j^eople. 

Dongan, ^^ a competent governor, faithful, of broad 
views, and vigorous in action," was continued in office 
till August, 1688. The province made substantial ad- 
vancement under his administration, and the first great 
step was taken tow^ard self-government. New York City 
and Albany were given new charters. He prevented 
the French from building a fort at Niagara to con- 
trol the fur-trade of the upper lakes, and bravely upheld 
the English side of the contest with France over terri- 
tory in the north and west. He encouraged parties of 
young men to engage in the fur-trade with tribes west of 
New York, and in 1686 one of these parties reached the 
outlet of Lake Michigan. 

Fur-trade. — The fur-trade, particularly in beaver- 
skins, Avas the first and best-paying industry in the 
province. Cities and streets were named after the 
beaver, and the seal of the colonv had a beaver on it. 
By 1634, 15,000 beaver and 1,500 other pelts, valued 
at $54,000, were sent to Holland. The ^^ beaver price " 
set the value for all other goods. For over a century 



40 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

France and England waged a fierce contest over the fur- 
trade. No governor labored more effectually than 
Dongan to uphold Great Britain's interests. 



Chapter X. — Effect or the English Kevolution on 

ISTew Yoek 

English Revolution in New York.— In 1688 Kew 
York was annexed to New England under the rule of 
Andros, who was represented in New York by a lieuten- 
ant, Francis Nicholson. Later in the year news of the 
great English Eevolution reached New York and pro- 
duced a small revolution there. Nicholson, the repre- 
sentative of James II., was driven out, and the Prince of 
Orange was proclaimed king. The central figure in 
the uprising was Jacob Leisler, an energetic shopkeeper 
and a. German soldier, who had come to the colony in 
the employ of the West India Company. As captain 
of the militia and supported by a majority of the people, 
he assumed the government, and retained it for three 
years. 

Leisler Acts as Governor. — Leisler united with others 
in calling a convention of delegates from the counties. 
Twelve deputies from five counties met and chose a 
committee of safety, and that body appointed Leisler 
" commander-in-chief of the province." But the local 
and the provincial officials over the colony refused to 
recognize Leisler's authority. In December King Wil- 
liam sent a letter to New York addressed to " Our Lieu- 
tenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief in our Prov- 
ince of New York, or in his absence to such as for the 



ENGLISH REVOLUTION IN NEW YORK 41 

time " took his place. Leisler and the committee of 
safety believed that this letter commissioned him the 
king's lieutenant-governor. 

Albany Forced to Obedience. — Leisler now sought to 
extend his rule over the province. He sent Jacob Mil- 
borne, his son-in-law, up the Hudson with an armed 
force to compel the river towns, and especially Albany, 
to submit to his authority. Milborne failed in his at- 
tempt, but the frightful massacre of Schenectady by 
the French and Indians a few months later led Albany 
to recognize Leisler's power. The attack was planned 
for the night. The invaders entered the unguarded 
gates of the palisade, raised the terrible war-whoop, set 
fire to the houses, and as the dazed victims rushed from 
their beds sixty were killed, some were taken prisoners, 
while the rest fled half -clothed through a severe snow- 
storm to Albany, seventeen miles away (Feb. 19, 1690). 

The First Colonial Congress. — To organize a retalia- 
tory expedition against the French and their Algonquin 
allies Leisler called the first colonial congress held in 
America. Seven delegates met at Albany in February, 
1690. Leisler fitted out and despatched the first fleet 
of war-vessels that left the port of New York. He 
heartily co-operated with the authorities of Massachu- 
setts and Connecticut in their two expeditions — one by 
water against Quebec, and the other by land against 
Montreal. Although the majority of the people obeyed 
Leisler as governor, the king refused to appoint him to 
that office. Instead, Henry Sloughter, " a profligate, 
needy, and narrow-minded adventurer," was appointed. 

Death of Leisler. — Major Eichard Ingoldesby, with 
two companies of soldiers, reached I^ew York about this 



42 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

time and insolently demanded the surrender of Fort 
James without showing any authority from the king or 
the new governor. Leisler replied that he would give 
up the fort to Sloughter only. Some fighting followed, 
and eight men were killed, of whom six were defenders 
of the fort. Upon Sloughter's arrival Leisler surren- 
dered the fort to him (March, 1691). At once Leisler 
and his chief supporters were imprisoned. A month 
later they were tried as rebels and traitors, and eight 
were pronounced guilty. While intoxicated Governor 
Sloughter was induced by their enemies to sign the 
death-warrant of Leisler and Milborne, and in May, 
1691, both were hanged. By English law their estates 
were forfeited to the crown. 

Leisler's Rule was rash and arbitrary, but his spirit 
was patriotic. He was the hero of the common people, 
and received his strongest support from them. During 
his administration there had been a bitter feud between 
his friends and his enemies. After his death the quarrel 
became more bitter, and was the basis for the organiza- 
tion of two political parties. Leisler's son appealed to 
the king and parliament, and secured the reversal of the 
attainder against his father and his associates and the 
restoration of their property to the rightful heirs. 
Sloughter died shortly after the " judicial murder '' of 
the two brave men, and w^as succeeded by " the needy 
and greedy '' Benjamin Fletcher (1692). 



NEW YORK IN THE FIRST COLONIAL WARS 43 



Chapter XI. — ^^ew York in the First Colonial 

Wars 

Rivalry of the French and the English. — From the first 
England and France had been rivals for the control 
of the continent. King "William's War broke out in 
1689.^ New York under Leisler and Fletcher co-oper- 
ated with Connecticut, voted money, raised troops 
liberally, and played an honorable part in the conflict. 
John Schuvler, ^ with a force of whites and Mohawks, 
made a successful attack on the fort opposite Montreal 
(1690), while his brother, Peter Schuyler, the mayor of 
Albany, with a like body, gained a victory at Fort 
Chambly (1691), and some months later he pursued a 
marauding party from Canada and released several hun- 
dred Mohawk captives (1693). Count Frontenac ^ in- 
vaded the homes of the Onondagas and Oneidas in 1696 
and destroyed their houses and crops. But the death of 
Frontenac and the treaty of Kyswick ended the war the 
next year (Sept. 20, 1697). 

First Printing-press. — During the rule of Fletcher 
the first printing-press was set up in ]N'ew York (1693). 
Its owner was William Bradford, the only printer in the 

^This was the first intercolonial war in x\merica. The causes 
were European and may be found, in any general history. 

2 The Schuyler family is one of the oldest in New York. The 
founder, Philip Pieterse Schuyler, settled up the Hudson near 
Albany about 1650. No family played a more important part in 
the colony and state. See Schuyler, Colonial New York, 2 vols. 

^ He was governor of Canada, a man of remarkable ability and 
a brave soldier. He made France a ^reat power in the New 
Woi-ld, 



4:4: SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

colony for over thirty years. For fifty years, as the 
" royal printer/' he published all the laws. Printing 
would have been introduced earlier had the English 
kings been willing. '^ You are to provide all necessary 
orders/' the king had instructed Dongan, '' that no per- 
son keep any press for printing." 

Religion. — If printing was discouraged, religion was 
encouraged. Influenced by Fletcher, the assembly in 
1693 passed an act for '^ maintaining " six ministers in 
E'ew York, Eichmond, Westchester, and Queens coun- 
ties. This was the origin of Trinity Church in the city 
of N^ew York. Besides that church there were in the 
city Dutch Reformed, French Protestant, and Dutch 
Lutheran churches, and a Jewish synagogue. At both 
Albany and Kingston Dutch Reformed churches Avere 
located. On Long Island meeting-houses, mostly 
Presbyterian or Independent, were found. Quakers 
were numerous. " In short, of all sorts of opinions 
there are some," Dongan reported. Catholics were not 
treated with the same generosity as other sects, though 
several devoted Jesuits did fine missionary work among 
the Iroquois. Protestant missionaries were also work- 
ing with the Indians. " Traveling, labor, hunting, and 
horse-racing " were forbidden on the Lord's day under 
a penalty of six shillings. 

Pirates terrorized the coast, and even captured mer- 
chant-vessels in sight of ^ew York City. Fletcher was 
believed to be in league with them and consequently Xvas 
recalled. He was a good soldier, but a poor governor. 
His efforts to extend the Anglican Church and the 
English language aroused hostility. To suppress these 
pirates the Earl of Bellomont, an Irish gentleman, was 



2iEW YORK IN THE FIRST COLONIAL WARS 45 

appointed governor (1795). For three years lie lingered 
in England to form a company to destroy piracy. The 
company expected to gain much wealth by recaptures. 
The famous William Kidd was sent with a ship to New 
York. From there he sailed to the Indian Ocean, 
turned pirate himself, buried some of his treasures on 
Gardiner's Island off the east end of Long Island, was 
arrested byBellomont in Boston, and hanged in England 
(1701). The governor died the same year. 

aueen Ann's War (1702-1713) had but little effect 
on ]^ew York. This colony helped to fit out a fruitless 
expedition against Montreal. To pay for it, paper bills 
of credit were used for the first time in New York 
(1709). During the war seven persons occupied the 
governor's chair. In 1702 Lord Cornbury, " the worst 
governor ever appointed to the colony," arrived, and 
soon had his jurisdiction extended over New Jersey 
also. The two colonies were under the same gover- 
nor till 1738, though they had distinct legislative as- 
semblies. Cornbury was usually at odds with both 
bodies. Fearing the yellow fever in 1703, he took for 
his own use the house of a Presbvterian minister in 
Jamaica, Long Island, and then turned it over to the 
Episcopalians. He likewise imprisoned two ministers 
for preaching without license, and prevented school- 
masters from teaching for the same reason. 

The Assembly Demands Self-taxation. — The assembly 
doubled the governor's large salary and voted money 
for batteries at the Narrows, but could get no state- 
ment from him about the expenditure of public funds. 
They also remonstrated against the exorbitant fees. 
When it was known that colonial money was going into 



46 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tlie governor's pocket tliej held the strings of the public 
purse tight. The same assembly declared that the '^ im- 
posing and laying of any money upon her majesty's 
subjects of this colony, without consent in general as- 
sembly, is a grievance and a violation of the people's 
property." This idea had much to do with the inde- 
pendence of the colonies some years later. Though a 
cousin of the queen, Cornbury was soon removed 
(1708). 

Governors Schuyler and Hunter. — Peter Schuyler, 
who had befe mayor of Albany over eight years, was 
now president of the council and hence acting governor. 
He was one of the great men in the colony and the 
father of Gen. Philip Schuyler. Thrice he served as 
governor. In 1710 Robert Hunter w^as sent over to 
rule the colony. His administration continued nine 
years, and he was " the ablest in the series of the royal 
governors of New York." Since the assembly clung 
to particular annual money grants, he dissolved that 
body and wrote home that the colonies were '^ infants 
at their mothers' breasts, but such as will wean them- 
selves when they become of age." During his rule 
about 3,000 Germans from the Palatinate ^ came to 
New York to serve Queen Anne " as grateful subjects 
in the production of tar " and other naval stores. They 
were naturalized by the English parliament. They 
rebelled against the bondage to which they had bound 
themselves as '^ Servants of the Crown " until they 
should repay the cost of transportation, and conse- 
quently were set free. The fertile valley of the Mo- 

^ A German state on the river Rhine. 



NEW YORK m THE FIRST COLONIAL WARS 47 

hawk became tlieir home, as Palatine Bridge and Ger- 
man Flats testify to this day. The experiment cost 
England about £30,000. In failing health, Hunter 
resigned his ofSce (1719) and soon died. 

William Burnet, eldest son of the distinguished bishop, 
became the next executive (1720). One of his first acts 
was to take steps to monopolize all trade «with the Iro- 
quois. He aroused the hatred of the merchants by hav- 
ing the assembly forbid all sales to Canadian traders. 
The French were gradually taking possession of the lake 
region. They had a trading-post at Magara (1721), 
which five years later was converted into a fort. On 
Lake Ontario they had two large vessels. To offset 
the designs of the French, Burnet built a trading-post at 
the mouth of the Genesee (1721), and another at Oswego 
(1722), soon protecting the latter with a fort (1727). 
The English laid claim to the region south and west 
of Lake Ontario on the ground of treaties with the Iro- 
quois.^ The Senecas and the Oneidas, however, feared 
these forts built by the English on their grounds while 
the governor of Canada claimed the territory for 
France. Trouble was ahead. 

Burnet was honest, able, and bold, but indiscreet. 
He lost his hold on the assembly by quarreling over 
the revenues, and offended leading citizens like Peter 
Schuyler, Adolph Philipse, and Stephen De Lancey. In 
1712 Governor Hunter, with the advice of the council, 
established the court of chancery, but without the con- 



^ In 1701 the Five Nations surrendered to the English all their 
lands for protection and defense. The deed of surrender is re- 
cited in a deed of Sept. 14, 1726, by which the Senecas, Cayugas. 
and Onondagas surrender their habitations to George I. 



48 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

sent of tlie crown or tlie assembly. Conseqiiently un- 
der Burnet the assembly complained of his decisions as 
chancellor and denied the legality of the court. George 
II. removed Burnet (1728) to appoint one of his 
favorites.-^ 



Chapter XII. — Internal Affairs 

John Montgomery, who followed Burnet as governor 
(1728), died after three years of service (1731). Kip 
Van Dam, the senior member of the council, acted as 
executive till the arrival of the next governor, William 
Cosby (1732). Governor Montgomery granted a new 
charter to ^ew York City (1730). The population of 
the city at that time was 8,632, and that of the province 
was 50,289, of whom 7,231 were negroes. 

First Newspaper. — In 1696 Governor Fletcher had 
induced William Bradford to remove his press from 
Philadelphia to ISTew York to do the public printing and 
to reprint the " London Gazette." In 1725 Brad- 
ford issued the " ISTew York Gazette,'' a weekly news- 
paper, which upheld the administration of Governor 
Burnet. In 1733 Peter Zenger^ started a rival paper, 
the " ISTew York Weekly Journal." The Gazette up- 
held Cosby, but the Journal assailed his avaricious and 
arbitrary conduct in squibs and stinging verses. Zenger 



^ Burnet was sent to Massachusetts as governor. 

2 When a boy Zenger came to New York with the German 
Palatines. He was apprenticed to Bradford, the printer, and 
soon became an editor of courage and ability. 



INTERNAL AFFAIRS 49 

had the hearty support of the people. Unable to sup- 
press the sharp attacks through the Gazette, Cosby or- 
dered the Journal to be burned and the bold printer to 
be imprisoned and prosecuted for libel. 

Zenker's Trial. — Even in prison Zenger continued to 
edit his paper, which found eager buyers. His two 
lawyers, James Alexander and William Smith, asserted 
that the court wdiich was to try his case was illegal, so 
were disbarred. Then Andrew Hamilton, an old 
Quaker lawyer from Philadelphia, took up Zenger's 
case. The chief justice, James De Lancey, did not 
favor the prisoner, but the jury, knowing that he had 
boldly told the truth, acquitted him. The people 
shouted for joy. Zenger and Hamilton w^ere heroes. 
The latter was given a public dinner, and the common 
council presented him with the freedom of the city. 
This w^as the first great libel suit in New York, and a 
victory for a free press (1735). An outgrowth of this 
spirit of freedom was the formation of the Sons of 
Liberty, an organization that was to play an important 
part in the Revolution. 

Clarke Succeeds Cosby. — After the sudden death of 
Cosby (1736) there was doubt about who should fill the 
vacant seat. Van Dam, though removed from the 
council by Cosby, claimed the chair. George Clarke, 
the councilor next in order, also demanded it, and was 
confirmed in his position by the king, who soon ap- 
pointed him lieutenant-governor. He was wise and 
acted moderately. He refrained from sitting with the 
council, and it thus became a separate branch of the 
legislature (1737). During his rule I^ew Jersey had its 
own governor, and the Jews were disfranchised (1738). 



50 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

The assembly became more independent and refused 
" to raise a revenue for any longer time than one year," 
and then only for specific purposes. Clarke attempted 
to plant a colony of five hundred Scotch Highlanders on 
Lake George as a barrier against French incursions, 
but the project amounted to little. 

The Negro Plot. — A tragedy closed Clarke's adminis- 
tration. In 1741 nine fires occurred in I^ew York City. 
Some started by accident and others were caused by 
thieves bent on plunder. But soon the report started 
that the negroes were plotting to burn the city. In 
terror people fled from the city to places of safety. 
Soon it was said that white persons were also impli- 
cated. Sixty-one whites and one hundred and sixty 
blacks were hurried to prison. No lawyer would de- 
fend them. Confessions of guilt were extorted and 
there was much questionable evidence. Eighteen 
negroes were hanged, thirteen were burned at the stake, 
and seventy-one were transported. John Ury, an edu- 
cated white man, and three others were also hanged 
before the craze was ended. 

Clarke's Crooked Ways. — Clarke came to ]^ew York a 
poor man, and returned to England with half a million 
dollars. He had speculated in lands and rigidly ex- 
acted all the fees connected with his oflice. To retain 
his position he returned false reports to England about i 
the poverty of the colony, the trials of his oflice, and his 
small reward. In this way he turned oflice-seekers 
away from !N^ew York for seven years. At last, how- 
ever. Admiral George Clinton, whose son. Sir Henry 
Clinton, was sent over to subdue the Revolution thirty- 
five years later, replaced Clarke. Soon after the ar- 



Internal affairs 51 

rival of the new governor the assembly voted to limit 
its term to seven years, like the British Parliament. 

King George's War: William Johnson. — During Clin- 
ton's administration King George's War (1744-1748) 
was fought. This was simply a continuation of the 
old contest between the English and the French for 
supremacy. At Albany Clinton made a treaty with the 
Iroquois, and appointed William Johnson agent for 
them (1746). This office had been in the Schuyler 
family about fifty years. Peter Schuyler's influence 
over the Indians was very great, but Johnson's was un- 
bounded. He had come from Ireland to manage the 
estate of his uncle, Sir Peter Warren (1738). He 
built Fort Johnson near the present village of Am- 
sterdam, and a few miles farther north he located John- 
son Hall. These buildings are still standing. He soon 
learned the language of the Indians, adopted their dress 
and customs, ate with them, joined them in hunts, mar- 
ried an Indian woman, excelled them in their own 
sports, and became a friend, companion, and master. 
Thus he was able to turn them against the French, and 
the king appointed him ^^ Sole Superintendent of the Six 
l^ations," an office he held until his death in 1774. 

New York bravely bore its part of the four years' 
war. Guns and money were contributed to the expe- 
dition against Louisburg (1745). The French built 
Fort St. Frederick at Crown Point, and ^yq hundred 
French and Indians from there captured Saratoga.-^ 
Twenty houses were burned, a dozen persons were 



^ Saratoga Springs had its beginning as a village in 1773, when 
a log cabin was built there. 



62 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

killed and over a hundred were captured Q^oy. 16, 
1745). This disaster led the assembly to bnild six 
block-house forts between Saratoga and Fort William, 
afterward Fort Stanwix, and to strengthen the de- 
fenses of ^N'ew York harbor. The province kept 1,600 
men in the field and appropriated nearly £100,000 for 
the war. On the St. Lawrence the French established 
a mission, and four years later a fort. This place was 
captured by the English in 1760 and became Ogdens- 
burg. 

Clinton's Successors. — After amassing a fortune, Clin- 
ton Avas succeeded by Sir Danvers Osborn (Oct. 10, 
1753), who was soon driven to suicide by domestic 
troubles. James De Lancey, the lieutenant-governor, 
was at the head of the government then till the arrival 
of Sir Charles Hardy as governor (Sept., 1755). De 
Lancey became the chief adviser of Hardy during his 
rule of two years, and was on excellent terms with the 
assembly. In 1757 Hardy turned the province over to 
De Lancey, commanded the expedition against Louis- 
burg, and never returned. In 1760 De Lancey died, 
and until the arrival, the next year, of his successor, 
Major-General Eobert Monckton, Cadwallader Colden, 
the president of the council, ruled the colony. 



Chapter XIII. — The French and Indian Wab 

Colonial Congress at Albany. — The contest between 1 
England and France for supremacy in America did not 

end with the treaty of 1748. Each prepared for the final 
conflict. In 1754, at the suggestion of the British 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 53 

secretary of state, all the colonies north of the Potomac 
held a congress at Albany to maintain the alliance of the 
Iroquois and to arrange united measures against the 
French. !New York was represented by Governor 
James De Lancey, who presided, Joseph Murray, Wil- 
liam Johnson, John Chambers, and William Smith. One 
hundred and fifty w^arriors of the Six I^ations were in at- 
tendance. Their leader, ^^ King Hendrick,'' a gray- 
haired Mohawk, who had been to England with Peter 
Schuyler, complained because the English had not 
built as many forts as the French,^ but plenty of pres- 
ents secured the co-operation of the red men. A plan 
to unite the colonies was prepared by the celebrated 
Benjamin Franklin, and accepted by the Congress 
(July 4). But the colonies rejected the proposed union 
because it gave the king too much power; the king like- 
wise vetoed the project because it gave the colonies too 
much power. 

Campaign of 1755. — Early in 1755 General Brad- 
dock arrived v/ith a military force from England. He 
had been put at the head of the colonial as well as the 
British forces. He called a convention of the gover- 
nors at Alexandria, Virginia. Governor De Lancey rep- 
resented New York. Three expeditions were planned 
— one against Fort Duquesne, another against Fort 
Niagara, and the third against Crown Point. The first 
one, under General Braddock, was a sad failure. The 
expedition against Niagara, led by Governor Shirley of 
Massachusetts, was also a failure. He reached Oswego, 



^ The French had good forts at Crown Point, Niagara, Presque 
Isle, and Frontenac. 



54 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

where lie left Colonel Mercer witli TOO men to build 
two forts while he returned to Albany.^ 

Crown Point Expedition. — To Colonel William John- 
son was intrusted the expedition against Crown 
Point. He had 600 hunters and farmers from ISTew 
York and ^ew England, and 250 Indians. General 
Phineas Lyman, with an advance party, had built Fort 
Edward, and in August, 1755, Johnson, with fifty 
Mohawks under Hendrick, including an Indian boy, 
Joseph Brant, who was to become famous, reached the 
fort. Johnson then advanced to the Lake of the Holy 
Sacrament, which he called Lake George to show that it 
belonged to England, and there encamped. 

English Defeated. — Meanwhile the governor of Can- 
ada had sent 3,000 men to Crown Point. From there 
Baron Dieskau, with 900 French and Canadians and 
600 Indians, set out to capture Fort Edward. To 
head them off Johnson sent a force of whites and 
Indians under Colonel Ephraim Williams and Hendrick. 
But Dieskau had changed his mind, and was advancing 
to meet Johnson, so that he was soon on the same road 
marching toward Williams. Dieskau's men planned an 
ambuscade and defeated the British. Williams and 
Hendrick were both killed.^ 

Johnson's Victory. — Johnson's men at Lake George 
were cutting down trees to make a breastwork when 
their defeated comrades rushed back in terror, followed 
by the victorious French. For six hours the battle 

^ Several hundred men were added to the force later. 

^ At Albany Williams made his will in which he left a large | 
part of his property to support a free school. This is now Wil- 
liams College. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 



55 





Saratoga 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 



5Q SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



W 



lasted. Johnson was wounded, and turned the com- , 
mand over to Lyman, who finally gained a complete vic- 
tory. Dieskau, dangerously wounded, was captured 
(Sept. 8, 1Y55), and his retreating troops were met by 
ISTew York and Xew Hampshire rangers from Fort 
Edward on the scene of the morning's ambuscade and , 
totally routed. Johnson built Fort AYilliam Henry on 
the battle-field and returned to Albany. England gave 
him all the credit for the victory. Parliament thanked 
him and voted him £5,000. The king shov/ed his grati- 
tude by making him a baronet, hence he became Sir 
William. 

Disasters of 1756.— In 1756 the Marquis of Mont- 
calm was put in command of the French forces. He 
encouraged the erection of Fort Carillon, or Fort 
Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain to check the British. 
Then he sent an expedition against the two forts at 
Oswego. The commander of the forts at that place, jj 
Colonel Mercer, was killed after two days of fighting, 
and 1,600 men surrendered, together with 120 cannon, 
six war-vessels, and 300 small boats, a great quantity of 
ammunition and provisions, and three chests of money 
(Aug. 14, 1756). To appease the Iroquois Montcalm 
demolished the two forts which had been built on their 
lands. This victory was followed by several invasions 
of ^ew York. Fort Bull on Wood Creek, near where 
Eome now stands, was destroyed. Thirty-two scalps 
were taken from under the very guns of Fort 
Edward. Palatine village was attacked at night, forty 
were killed, and a hundred and fifty were made captives. 
With boats captured on Lake George the victors took 
their prisoners to Canada, 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 57 

Fall of Fort William Henry.— On August 2, 1757, 
Montcalm, with 9,000 men, of whom 3,000 were Indi- 
ans appeared before Fort William Henry and de- 
manded its surrender. Colonel George Monroe had 
about 2,200 men, wdiile at Fort Edward, fifteen miles 
distant, there were 4,000 men under Colonel Daniel 
Webb. Montcalm's summons w^as refused and the at- 
tack began. Instead of aid the timid Webb sent a let- 
ter to Monroe advising him to capitulate. Montcalm 
intercepted the letter and forwarded it to Monroe, but 
even then the heroic colonel would not yield. E"ot until 
his guns were burst and his ammunition exhausted did 
Monroe surrender, and then onlv on honorable terms. 
The French promised the English protection as far as 
Fort Edward, but the savages massacred about thirty of 
them, took other prisoners, and robbed all of them. 
Fort William Henry was reduced to a heap of ruins. 

British Successes in 1758. — Under Pitt the British 
were more successful in 1758. Louisburg was cap- 
tured and Fort Duquesne was also taken, but the 
French still held Fort Ticonderoga. General Aber- 
crombie with 15,000 men sailed down Lake George 
and marched through the woods to take the fort. He 
was repulsed, and nearly 2,000 of his men were killed 
or wounded. Lord Howe, '^ the soul of the enterprise," 
was among the slain (Jnly 8). A western expedition 
against Fort Frontenac, by Colonel William Bradstreet, 
was more successful. With about 3,000 men, half of 
whom were New-Yorkers, he marched to avenge the 
fall of Oswego, crossed Lake Ontario in open boats, and 
on August 27 captured the garrison of one hundred and 
fifty men and nine armed vessels together with a large 



58 SHORT BISTORT OF TEE STATE OF NEW YORK 

store of military supplies. On his return, Bradstreet 
helped General Stanwix build Fort Stanwix, later called 
Fort Schuyler, where the city of Rome now stands. 

Campaign of 1759. — In 1759 the English planned to 
take Quebec, Ticonderoga, and Magara. General Am- 
herst appeared before Ticonderoga, but the French de- 
stroyed the works and withdrew to Crown Point. Am- 
herst followed, when they again withdrew from Crowm 
Point to an island in the Sorel River. Instead of pur- 
suing them again, Amherst wasted the summer in re- 
pairing the forts and in building boats, and wintered 
at Crown Point. Meanwhile General John Prideaux 
with 22,000 men, of whom 1,000 were from New York, 
attacked Fort Niagara. Prideaux was accidentally 
killed, so Sir William Johnson took command. He de- 
feated a relief party of 1,700 men, and then compelled 
the surrender of the fort (July 25). 

Fall of Quebec. — At the same time General Wolfe was 
sent against Quebec, and expected the co-operation of 
Amherst and Prideaux. Disappointed in this assistance 
he began the siege alone, and continued it through July 
and August. Repulsed several times, he at last climbed 
the steep river-bank to the Plains of Abraham. This 
time the English were successful but, in the fierce battle 
which followed, both Montcalm and Wolfe lost their 
lives (Sept. 13). The gates of the city were soon 
opened to the victors. The next year the French tried 
in vain to recover Quebec, while Amherst took Mon- 
treal. The conquest of Canada was now complete. By 
the treatv of Paris in 1763 all the territorv over which 

t.' €■■' 

England and France had been fighting was surrendered 
to the English. 



EDUCATION AND RELIGION 59 

Indian Treaties.— The Indians who aided the French 
were not willing to give up the contest. The bold 
and artful Pontiac, incited by French traders, plotted 
to drive the English out of the frontier forts. Sir Wil- 
liam Johnson was able to keep the Iroquois quiet ex- 
cept the Senecas, who were far to the west. Pontiac's 
conspiracy failed, and then Johnson held a grand con- 
clave of Indians at IN'iagara. To keep alive jealousies 
and prevent unity, treaties were made with the tribes 
separately (1764). At Oswego, two years later, John- 
son and Pontiac met to bury the hatchet and to smoke 
the pipe of peace. 



Chapter XIV. — ^Education and Keligion 

Schools.— Under the rule of the English (1664- 
1776) the state replaced the company in overseeing the 
schools. Teachers were still required to have licenses 
from the church and the government. To encourage 
regular schoolmasters, they were granted the exclusive 
right to teach in certain districts. The first license 
granted to a teacher by a city government was at Al- 
bany in 1700. Education became more liberal. Be- 
sides the common branches and the catechism, schools 
were opened to teach '' gentlemen and freemen the use 
of arms," dancing, embroidery, the languages,^ and 
navigation. A Friends' school was authorized (1703). 
Eachel Spencer, the first schoolmistress in the colony, 
had a school in 1687.^ ^ 

ijn 1700 Governor Bellomont requested the sachems of the 
Indians to send their sons to New York to be educated at the 



60 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

The Earliest Legislative Act (17T2) in behalf of edu- 
cation established a '' Grammar Free School," upon the 
petition of the authorities of New York City. It was 
" for the education and instruction of youth and male 
children " of English, Dutch, and French parents. The 
master had to belong to the Church of England, possess 
a license, and be able to teach languages and the com- 
mon branches. A city tax paid his salary.^ 

Progress of Education. — In 1704 a Latin free school 
was established. George Muirson was the teacher. 
He received his license from the governor, and his 
salary from the mayor. This interest of the govern- 
ment in public education was of short duration. After 
1709 no law encouraging public schools was passed for 
over twenty years, and no effort whatever was made for 
primary education. Still schools were not neglected, 
for now the " Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel," directed from London, took the matter in 
hand. 

Work of the Society.— It was found a great drawback to 
religion to have the people poorly provided with schools. 
At its own expense, therefore, the society established a 
number of schools and supplied paper, primers, cate- 
chisms, and prayer-books. A catechising school was 
opened in New York for negro and Indian slaves. 
The society's effort to convert the Indians was not verv 
successful, since the latter, for the most part, obsti- 
nately refused to learn to speak, read^ or write English. 

king's expense. They replied that they could not answer, since 
their squaws had sole charge of the children under age. 

^ At this time the legislature was largely Dutch. The English, 
apparently, cared little for education. 



EDUCATION AND RELIGION 61 

Book-knowledge, said tliej, was suitable only for white 
people. 

The general use of three languages in the colony 
gave the masters much trouble. As more schools were 
founded the interest of the people in education grew. 
Many requests were sent to the society for teachers and 
supplies, which were generously granted. The mayor 
of ]N"ew York informed the society that the masters gave 
splendid satisfaction. For the first time poor children 
were taught free of charge. The society demanded 
that each teacher be of good character, loyal to the gov- 
ernor, and an Anglican. The object of the society was 
to make children religious, learned, and courteous. It 
generously educated the children of dissenters as well 
as the orthodox. 

Religion in Education. — Religion was an important 
idea in both Dutch and English primers. Educa- 
tion w^as not thought as necessary for girls as for boys, 
hence the law of 1702 provided for " male children " 
only. In the picture on an old Dutch primer the 
master stands with a bunch of twigs in his hand before 
a class of boys. A " dame school '' was kept, however, 
in 1681 by Elizabeth Cowperthwait at Flushing. Mas- 
ters under Dutch and English rule were poorly paid, but 
went about their work with a missionary zeal. Trinity 
School, still in existence in ^ew York City, was founded 
by the society. 

A Free School. — In 1732 the legislature again showed 
an interest in schools by creating a public free school 
to teach Latin, Greek, and mathematics, to be paid for 
by tax on hawkers and peddlers. Both this and the 
" Grammar Free School '' (1702) were vitally con- 



62 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

nected with the movement that led to the founding of 
Columbia University (King's College). 'Eo licenses 
for teaching were issued to teachers by the governor 
after 1712. 

Dutch and English. — The Dutch did more than the 
English for the organization of public schools in Xew 
York. The English have come rather slowly to recog- 
nize the importance of public free schools and to turn 
their attention toward primary education. During the 
Revolution the schools were totally neglected, and it 
was not until peace was restored that interest in them 
revived. 

The First Literature of the province that became !N'ew 
York is in Dutch and French. The narratives of Car- 
tier and Champlain tell of early explorations and dis- 
coveries. John De Laet, an active director of the 
Dutch West India Company and for a time a resident 
of K'ew Netherland, wrote in 1640 a " History of the 
"West Indies/' which included Xew ^etherland. This 
work introduced the Xew World to the Old. Along 
with a historical production by Wassenaer, it retains the 
flavor of adventure and romance connected with this 
region, and is full of experiences novel and exciting. 
The controversies between the Dutch West India Com- 
pany and the people of !N'ew Ketherland, the remon- 
strance against Stuyvesant, and the request to the 
government to cancel the charter of the company and 
to resume its authority occupied the thinking minds 
of the time. All writings of merit were either political 
documents, or records, like the '' Jesuit Relations," of 
the work of missionaries, who risked their lives to con- 



EDUCATION AND RELIGION 63 

vert the Indians, or of educated ministers, who did 
much to uplift the colonists. 

English Literature.— In 16Y0, six years after the Eng- 
lish had taken possession of Kew :N^etherland, Daniel 
Denton wrote what is supposed to be the first descrip- 
tion of the colony. His book was called '' A Descrip- 
tion of :New York, with the Country of the Indians." 
Freedom of worship under both Dutch and English rule 
prevented theological controversies. Only one man 
wTote anything of the kind of importance. In 1697 
Daniel Leeds wrote " Is^ews of a Trumpet in the Wilder- 
ness/' a tract aimed at the Quakers in Pennsylvania. 
Several of the governors of the colony were men of 
education, who expressed themselves well in their writ- 
ings. Dr. Cadwallader Golden was one of the most 
learned men of the first half of the eighteenth century. 
He wrote a valuable " History of the Six IS^ations " 
and learned essays on scientific subjects. Sir William 
Johnson was one of those who wrote well. His m- 
vestigations concerning the Iroquois were written in an 
excellent style. William Smith was the first to write a 
history of the province. His w^ork, which reached the 
year 1772, is especially valuable because he himself 
lived at the tnne of many of the events about which he 
wrote. Conditions were not favorable for work of mere 
literary value. The people were struggling with stern 
material difficulties and political problems. Yet the 
name of Mrs. Ann Eliza Bleeker is worthy of mention 
as a writer of verse and short stories. William Living- 
ston, a native of Albany, was a college graduate and a 
scholarly and prolific writer. He wrote an elaborate 
poem, entitled " Philosophic Solitude," and engaged in 



64 SHORT HISTOBY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

vigorous political and theological controversies with Dr. 
Myles Cooper, president of King's College, and with 
other divines of ability. 

Society. — Charity is a product of Christian civiliza- 
tion. Under the thrifty Dutch there was little pauper- 
ism. The churches provided for the needy. Vaga- 
bonds were sent out of the colony. The English dealt 
with them differently. In 1754 overseers of the poor 
put them to work and apprenticed their children. By 
1768 these overseers were elected in each county. A 
house of correction was provided in Westchester in 
1772. 



II. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1604-1765 

I. Primary Sources 

O'Callaghan, " Documents relative to the Colonial History of New 
York," Vols. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. 

O'Callaghan, "Documentary History of the State of New York, 
Vols. 1, 2, 3, and 4. 

O'Callaghan, "Calendar of Historical Manuscripts," Part II. 
(1664-1783). 

New York Historical Society " Collections." 

Memoirs of Long Island Historical Society, I. 

Munsell, " Annals of Albany," Vols. 1-10. 

Munsell, " Collection on the History of Albany," 4 vols. 

"The Colonial Laws of New York." 5 vols. a664-1775). 

Greenleaf, " Laws of New Yorlc," 

Journals of the Council and Assembly. 

Denton, "Description of New York" (1670). 

Dankers and Sluyter, "Visit to New York" (1679-82). 

Walley, "Two Years' Journal in New York" (1678-80). 

Smith, "History of the Late Province of New York." (To 1814.) 

Golden, " History of the Five Nations." 



BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1G64-J765 05 

Barber and Howe, " Historical Collections of the State of New 

York." 
Report of the State Historian, Vols. 1 and 2. 
Grant, " Memoirs of an American Lady." 2 vols. 
Watson, " Annals and Occurrences of New York City and State." 
Miller, " Description of the City and Province of New York " 

(1695). 

2. Secondary Sources 

Macauley, "Natural, Statistical, and Civil History of the State of 

New York." 3 vols. (To 1800.) 
Brodhead, "History of the State of New York," Vol. II. (To 

1691.) 
Dunlap, " History of New Netherland," etc., I., pp. 68-487. 
Lossing, " Empire State," pp. 84-242. 
Roberts, "New York," I., pp. 178-358; II., 359-400. 
Randall, " History of the Common School System of the State of 

New York." 
Francis, " Old New York." 
Earle, " Colonial Days in Old New York." 
Bancroft, "History of the United States," I., p. 518; II., pp. 34, 

353, 339, 399. 
Bryant and Gray, "Popular History of the United States," II., 

p. 319; III., p. 222. 
Hildreth, "History of the United States," I., p. 445; II., pp. 

44, 76, 87, 116, 130, 138, 182, 200, 226, 315, 391, 408. 
Disosway, " The Earliest Churches of New York." 
Janvier, " In Old New York." 
Goodwin and others, "Historic New York" (Half Moon Series). 

2 vols. 
Schuyler, " Colonial New York," Vols. 1 and 2. 
Cobb, " Story of the Palatines." 

Lamb, " History of the City of New York," I., pp. 218-768. 
Booth, " History of the City of New York," pp. 156-509. 
Valentine, " History of the City of New York," pp. 156-398. 
Valentine, " Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York." 
Roosevelt, " New York," pp. 38-123. 
Todd, " Story of the City of New York." 
Wilson, " Memorial History of the City of New York," I., pp. 307- 

603; II., pp. 1-469. 



66 SHORT BISTORT OF TEE STATE OF NEW TORE 

Flint, " Early Long Island," pp. 293-525. 

Thompson, " History of Long Island," pp. 90-142. 

Stiles, "History of the City of Brooklyn," I., pp. 166-413; II., pp. 

1-194. 
Parkman, " Montcalm and Wolfe." 
Griffis, " Sir William Johnson and the Six Nations." 
Stone, " Life and Times of Sir William Johnson." 
Winsor, " Narrative and Critical History of America," III., pp. 

385-421. 
Historical Magazines. 
Local Histories. 

3. Fiction 

Myers, "First of the Knickerbockers" (1673). 

"Young Patroon" (1690). 
Cooper, "Water Witch" (1664). 

"Satanstoe" (1750). 

" Leather Stocking Tales." 
Harris, " Sutherlands." 
Brooks, " In Leisler's Times." 
Bynner, "The Begum's Daughter." 



CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 

1664 (April). Popular Assembly called. 

" Charles II. gives New Netherland to the Duke of York. 

" Capitulation of Stuyvesant. 

" Change in names. 
1665. Nicholls the first English Governor. 

" City Charter changed. 

" " Duke's Laws " promulgated. 

" Power of taxation in Governor and Council. 
1668. Lovelace succeeds Nicholls. 
1670. First New York exchange established. 

1672. War between England and Holland. 

1673. Dutch recapture New York. 

1674. By treaty England regains New York. 
" Andros appointed Governor. 

1678. The " Bolting Act " gives New York the flour monopoly. 

1679. Indian slavery abolished. 

1680. Andros recalled. 



CBRONOLOOICAL SUMMARY 67 

1682. Penn buys Delaware. 

" Long Island annexed to New York. 

1683. Dongan made Governor. 

" Representative Assembly called. 
" Charter of Liberties granted. 
" Twelve counties created. 

1684. Virginia and New York make treaty with the Iroquois. 

1685. Castletown and Middletown settled. 

1686. New York and New England consolidated. 

1688. Dongan replaced by Nicholson. 

" English Revolution reflected in America. 
" Rise of Royalist and Popular parties. 

1689. Union of New England and New York dissolved. 
" Revolution makes Leisler leader. 

" Albany refuses to recognize him. 
" Leisler appoints council of advisers. 

1690. Schenectady massacre by French and Indians. 
" First Continental Congress at New York. 

" Leisler sends naval expedition against Canada. 
" Poughkeepsie and Fishkill begun. 

1691. Ingoldesby demands surrender of Fort. 

" Leisler refuses to surrender to any but Governor Sloughter. 
" Sloughter arrives and orders Leisler and Milborne arrested, 

tried, and executed. 
" Treaty with Iroquois renewed. 
" Popular Assembly called and liberal laws formed. 
" Sloughter dies. 

1692. Fletcher arrives as Governor. 

1693. First printing-press in the colony. 

" Episcopal Church established in the colony. 

1695. Fletcher recalled. 
" Leisler vindicated. 

1696. Trinity Church opened. 

1697. Treaty of Ryswick. 

1698. Bellomont Governor. 

1699. Democratic Assembly called. 

1701. Death of Bellomont. 

" Bayard executed for treason. 

1702. Lord Cornbury arrives as Governor. 
1705. Grammar School created. 

" Cornbury recalled. 



II 



68 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

1708. Lovelace made Governor. 
" Newburg started. 

1709. Lovelace dies. 
" Expedition against Montreal. 

1710. Hunter becomes Governor. 

" 3,000 Germans arrive. \ 

1711. Canadian expedition fails. 

1712. Negro panic. 

1715. Contest over revenue. 
" Court of Chancery established. 
" Lewis Morris made Chief Justice. 

1719. Peter Schuyler acts as Governor. 

1720. Burnet appointed Governor. 
1722. Settlement at Oswego. 

" Congress of Governors at Albany. 
1725. " New York Gazette " started. 

1727. Assembly dissolved. 
" Burnet transferred to Massachusetts. 

1728. Montgomery Governor. 
" Charter granted to New York City. 

1731. Montgomery dies. 
" French build fort at Crown Point. 

1732. Cosby Governor. 
" Public Free School in New York City. 

1733. Quarrel between Cosby and Van Dam. 
" Zeno-er's "Weekly Journal" established. 

1734. Zenger aiTested. 

1735. Zenger trial. 

1736. Cosby succeeded by Clarke. 

1737. New Assembly grants revenue for one year. 

Jews disfranchised. 

1741. Second negro panic. 

1743. Clinton Governor and popular discontent. 

1745. Saratoga destroyed by French and Indians. 

1746. Sir William Johnson made head of Indian Department. 
1748. Great Indian council at Albany. 

1753. Osborn follows Clinton. 

1754. Albany Congress. 

1755. Hardy made Governor. 
« French and Indian War begins. 
** Meeting of Governors at New York, 



CHRONOLOOICAL SUMMARY 69 

1755. Fort Edward built and battle of Lake George won. 
" Rome settled. 

1756. Fi'ench take Forts Ontario and Oswego. 

1757. Fort William Henry surrendered to the French. 
" Indian massacres. 

1758. English repulsed at Fort Ticonderoga. 

" Fort Frontenac captured by the English. 

1759. All French posts in New York captured. 

1760. De Lancey succeeded by Golden. 

" Navigation laws revived and enforced. 

1761. Monckton becomes Governor. 

1762. Contest over salary of Chief Justice. 

1763. Sandy Hook lighthouse built. 



PAET II. ERA OF STATEHOOD 

I. EEyOLUTIO:N' AND TEAISTSITIOX 

Chapter XV. — Struggle for Self-goveris'men't 

Condition of the Colony. — More than $1,500,000 had 
been spent by ISTew York, and hundreds of her sons had 
been slain to help England conquer France in America. 
In 1763 the population was about 100,000, of whom 
15,000 were negroes. The war had settled the northern 
and western boundaries. Xew York City was the so- 
cial, educational, and industrial center as well as the 
political capital. The colony was controlled by a few 
wealthy families, such as the Livingstons, Schuylers, 
Jays, Van Rensselaers, Philipses, Johnsons, De Lan- 
ceys, and Cortlandts, who possessed feudal-like powers. 
There were three newspapers in the metropolis, and one 
was started at Albany in 1771. King's College, the 
only one in the colony, had its origin in 1716 in an act 
of the assembly for raising £2,250 by lottery ^' toward 
the founding of a college." This college was organized 
in 1755, and after the Revolution became Columbia 
College.-^ Dr. Samuel Johnson was its first president, 
with a salarv of £250.^ 

^ Now Columbia University. 

^ Such men as John Jay, Gouverneur Moiris, and Alexander 
Hamilton were trained there. 

70 



STRUGGLE FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT Tl 

Contest for Self-government. — The death of Do 
Lancey in 1760 left the executive chair and the office of 
chief justice vacant. The assembly insisted upon a 
tenure " during good behavior " for supreme-court 
judges, but Golden, who now acted as governor, vetoed 
the measure. The popular party contended that " all 
authority is derived from the people." In 1762 the 
assembly appealed to the king for '^ the independency 
of so important a tribunal." The '^ involuntary taxes 
and impositions " were also denounced as contrary to 
" a state of liberty." Exemption from such taxes was 
declared to be " the ground principle of every free 
state," without which there could be " no liberty, no 
happiness, no security." But these appeals, like many 
others, were unheeded. 

The Stamp Act in New York.— To raise a permanent 
revenue in America, Parliament proposed a stamp duty. 
Again the ^ew York assembly remonstrated that the 
great badge of English liberty was '^ the being taxed 
only with their consent." In 1764 it advocated united 
action against the objectionable duty. ^' This is the 
beginning of official action in behalf of American union 
for American interests, and the honor of it belongs to 
^ew York." The Stamp Act was passed in 1765 and 
was generally denounced in ]N'ew York. " Join or 
Die " became the motto of one of the newspapers. The 
hated act w^as printed and carried through the streets 
with a death's head affixed to it, and styled ^^ The folly 
of England and the ruin of America." William Smith, 
"William Livingston, and John Morin Scott, all educated 
at Yale, led the popular party. " I will cram the 
stamps doAvn the throats of the people with the end of 



72 8H0RT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW J ORE 

my sword/' boasted Major James, an English officer in 
!N^ew York. In revenge a mob destroyed all tbe fur- 
niture in his house and threatened personal violence. 
Such was the spirit in this colony. 

Stamp Act Congress. — Massachusetts, taking the sug- 
gestion from New York, " sent letters to every assem- 
bly on the continent, calling a conference,'' and in 
October, 1765, the Stamp Act Congress met in ]^ew 
York City. Nine colonies were represented. Robert 
R. Livingston was a prominent member and said, 
'^ There should be no New-Englanders, no New- 
Yorkers, but all of us Americans." A '^ Declaration of 
Rights and Grievances," written by John Cruger, a 
petition to George III., penned by Philip Livingston, 
and a memorial to each House of Parliament were 
adopted. The congress made the colonies '' a bundle 
of sticks wliich cannot be bent or broken." 

Stamps in New York City. — Meanwhile the stamps 
reached the city, and all the vessels lowered their colors 
in token of " mourning, lamentation, and woe." " The 
first man that either distributes or makes use of stamped 
paper " w^as warned " to take care of his house, person, 
and effects." The merchants agreed to import no goods 
while the Stamp Act was in force. Isaac Sears, John 
Lamb, Gershom Mott, ^^'illiam Wiley, and Thomas 
Robinson were appointed a committee to correspond 
with merchants in other colonies (Oct. 31). '' It is bet- 
ter to wear a homespun coat than to lose our liberty," 
declared Holt's New York Gazette. As November 
approached " the whole city rose up as one man in op- 
position to the Stamp Act." The Sons of Liberty, led 
by Sears, Lamb, and McDougall, hanged Golden, Lord 



STRUGGLE FOB SELF- GOVERNMENT 73 

Bute, and the hated British ministers in effigj and 
spiked the king's cannon. On March 13, 1766, the ob- 
noxious act was repealed. During the five montlis it 
was a law, four vessels brought stamps to N^ew York. 
Those on one ship were seized and burned, but the rest 
were guarded in the City Hall by the Sons. The stamp 
agent was forced to resign. General Gage was power- 
less to enforce the act. 

Gratitude for Repeal of the Stamp Act. — To express 
their joy at the repeal of the measure, the assembly 
voted a statue to William Pitt and one to the king. A 
marble statue of Pitt was erected in Wall Street. In 
the Revolution British soldiers mutilated it, and to-day 
its headless form is owned by the ^ew York Historical 
Society. The leaden statue of the king on horseback 
was set up in Bowling Green, but when the Declaration 
of Independence was read to Washington's army (July 
9, 1776) the soldiers pulled it down, and from it 42,000 
bullets were made " to be used in the cause of independ- 
ence." The joy of the people was short-lived. The 
Stamp Act was repealed, but the right to tax the 
colonies was still maintained, and in 1767 duties were 
levied on glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. The peo- 
ple objected and renewed their non-importation com- 
pacts. 

First Battle of the Revolution. — To force the colonies 
to obedience, British troops were sent to America. The 
assembly of J^ew York refused to provide " quarters, 
bedding, drink, soap, and candles " for them (1766). 
The soldiers in anger cut down a liberty-pole erected 
by the patriots, but it was put up again and stood till 
1770, when it was again cut down. This led to an en- 



74 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

counter known as the battle of Golden Hill, in which 
one patriot was killed and a number wounded. This 
was ^^ the first conflict in the war of the American Rev- 
olution/' and it took place over a month before the Bos- 
ton massacre. The Sons of Liberty then bought a piece 
of land and erected on it a third pole dedicated to 
^^ Liberty and Property." It stood for six years. 

New York Punished: McDougairs Trial.— ^ew York's 
refusal to supply the royal troops led Parliament to sus- 
pend the legislative power of the assembly. For two 
years there was no legislation. The newly elected as- 
sembly was still more patriotic and was dissolved (1769). 
The next assembly, however, was more favorable to the 
governor and, when Golden promised that the objection- 
able duties would be removed, £2,000 were appropriated 
for the support of the troops. This action angered the 
populace. A hand-bill by a '^ Son of Liberty " de- 
nounced the act of the assembly as being due to ^^some 
corrupt source," and called the people to meet next 
day. About 1,400 " betrayed inhabitants " met and 
condemned the assembly. The governor offered a re- 
ward for the author of the hand-bill. Alexander 
McDougall was arrested on the charge of libel, but his 
prison life was an ovation. So numerous were his 
admirers that he was obliged to set apart certain hours 
for their reception. After several months he was re- 
leased without being tried. 



NEW TORE ON THE EVE OF liEVOLUTION 75 



Chapter XVI. — N^ew York on the Eve of Revolution 

New Governors. — Amid these disturbances a new gov- 
ernor, John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, arrived, but 
only to be transferred to Virginia in a few months. 
I^orth Carolina then gave up her governor, William 
Tryon, who became the last royal governor of 
!N^ew York. During his rule the fourteenth county, 
Tryon, was organized in the territory west of Sche- 
nectady. 

The Tea Contest. — The general non - importation 
agreement, well kept at first, was soon broken in Phila- 
delphia and at Boston, to the great injury of Xew York. 
The appeals of English and American merchants were 
at last heard, and Parliament removed all duties but 
that on tea (1770). Lord ISTorth, the king's chief min- 
ister, retained the threepence tea-tax in order to main- 
tain the right to tax the colonies. Here was the root 
of the trouble. The colonists were contending for 
principle, not pence. They would not buy the taxed 
tea and used sassafras bark and sage instead. 

Tea Destroyed in New York. — The East India Com- 
pany owned a large quantity of tea which could not be 
sold in England and therefore asked Parliament for re- 
lief. Parliament removed the duty on all tea sent to 
America except the threepence. This made tea cheaper 
in !N'ew York than in London, but the artful change and 
secret bribe did not delude the colonists. They would 
not touch the tea and prepared to prevent its landing. 
Governor Tryon declared that the tea should be deliv- 
ered to the owners " even if it is sprinkled with blood-'' 



76 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW JORK 

The Sons of Liberty, however, disguised themselves as 
a band of Mohawks to dispose of the tea. The first tea- 
shij^ was forced to return to England wdth its cargo un- 
touched (April, 1774). The eighteen chests brought on 
the second vessel were broken open and their contents 
poured into the bay. In this ^N^ew York followed the 
example of Boston. 

Whigs and Tories. — During these stirring times the 
Whig and Tory parties were formed. The Whigs op- 
posed parliamentary taxation and believed in coercive 
measures. They wanted a general boycott of all British 
products. The Tories upheld the law and believed in 
securing a redress of wrongs through respectful peti- 
tions. These parties later became the Revolutionists 
and the Loyalists. The Tories controlled the assembly, 
and in the interest of peace appointed a committee of 
correspondence. 

General Congress Proposed. — When Parliament closed 
the port of Boston, the Sons of Liberty in I^Tew York 
proposed a general congress (May 14, 1774) to secure 
colonial rights. This was the first suggestion of such a 
body. The " Committee of Fifty-one,'' controlled by 
moderate Tory influence and elected as a committee of 
correspondence, also urged Massachusetts to call depu- 
ties to a congress of the colonies. This letter was car- 
ried to Boston by Paul Revere, the express rider. The 
'' Great Meeting in the Fields " (July 6), at which Alex- 
ander Hamilton, a boy of seventeen, first appeared as a 
champion of American rights, strengthened the senti- 
ment in !N"ew York for a congress. 

First Continental Congress. — Adopting N'ew York's 
suggestion, Massachusetts called the First Continental 



MBW YORK ON THE EVE OF REVOLUTION 77 

Congress, which met at Philadelphia (Sept., 1774). E^ew 
York was represented by John Alsop, Simon Boernm, 
James Dnane, William Floyd, John Herring, John Jav, 
John Philip Livingston, Isaac Low, and Henry Wisner, 
of whom five had been nominated by the '^ Committee 
of Fifty-one " and elected by the taxpayers of E'ew 
York City. Albany, Westchester, and Dutchess coun- 
ties approved of them. Suffolk, Orange, and Kings 
counties sent the rest, while some counties took no ac- 
tion. John Jay drafted the declaration of rights and 
the famous address to the people of Great Britain 
which asserted that '^ no power on earth has a right to 
take our property without our consent," and that " we 
will never submit to be hew^ers of wood and drawers of 
water for any ministry or nation in the world." 

Party Strife in the Assembly.— Meanwhile the Whigs 
and Tories w^ere contending in the assembly about the 
best course to pursue. The Whigs, who were in the 
minority, wished to approve of the course of Congress 
and to send delegates to a second Congress. The Tories 
prevented this action and sent a memorial to Parliament 
frankly asking for a redress of grievances. But Parlia- 
ment w^as resolved to coerce the colonies and hence 
even refused to receive this petition from a Tory body. 
On April 3, 1775, the assembly adjourned and never 
met again. The Tory leaders were the crown officers, 
the landed proprietors, and the wealthy merchants. 
They urged redress through legal means. The Whigs, 
led by the Sons of Liberty and some of the liberal aris- 
tocracy, Urged force, or at least coercive measures, to 
gain their rights. Independence was not yet advocated. 
Isaac Sears and his armed horsemen showed the spirit 



78 SHORT mSTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

of the radical Whigs when they destroyed the printing- 
office of James Rivington, a Tory (Dec, 1775). 

The People's Committee of Fifty-one had sixty persons 
elected as a " Committee of Observation " to enforce 
the recommendations of Congress. This new body 
called a Provincial Congress to act in place of the de- 
funct assembly. Representatives from nine counties 
met in IN'ew York City (April, 1775) and elected twelve 
delegates to the second Continental Congress — seven 
of the former delegates, and George Clinton, Francis 
Lewis, Robert R. Livingston, Lewis Morris, and Philip 
Schuyler.^ On the recommendation of the Committee 
of Observation a new body, the Committee of One Hun- 
dred, was chosen to take charge of the affairs of the city 
(May 1, 1775). 



Chapter XVII. — The Wae-cloud Buests oit 

New York 

Beginning of War. — The report of the skirmish at 
Lexington (April 19, 1775) fired the hearts of the New 
York patriots and prepared them for war. Fort Ticon- 
deroga was captured within a few months by the ^'Green 
Mountain Boys " led by Colonel Ethan Allen. Five 
regiments w^ere raised from the counties of New York, 
listed for a year, but Captain Alexander Hamilton en- 
listed for a year, but Captain Alexander Hamilton en- 
listed his men ''for the war.^' The Sons of Liberty 

^ Isaac Low declined to act and John Herring was excused. 



THE WAR-CLOUD BUMST8 ON NEW YORK 79 

seized royal guns and ammunition wherever found, 
closed the custom-house, and prevented supplies being 
sent to the king's army at Boston. A mob attempted 
to seize Dr. Myles Cooper, the Tory president of King's 
College, but he escaped to a British war-ship. Gov- 
ernor Tryon fled in alarm to another war-ship. In the 
north Seth Warner took Crown Point and Benedict 
Arnold seized a party of British troops, two brass field- 
guns, and a sloop at St. Johns (May). 

Military Leaders. — On June 15, 1775, George Wash- 
ington was chosen by the Continental Congress to com- 
mand the patriot army. Among those selected to assist 
him as generals were Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, a na- 
tive of Xew York, and Bichard Montgomery, an Irish 
resident of ^ew York and a son-in-law of Robert B. 
Livingston. Schuyler was given the command of N^ew 
York, while Washington hurried on to Boston to meet 
the British near Bunker Hill. 

The Johnsons took the king's side. Sir William had 
received 66,000 acres north of the Mohawk, known as 
^' Ivingsland " or the " Boyal Grant," for his services 
(1769). In the same year John Johnson, his son, was 
made a baronet in England. Two baronetcies in the 
same family and at the same time is an honor unparal- 
leled in American history. In 1774 Sir William died 
and his estate Avent to Sir John. At the beginning of 
the Revolution Sir John and his cousin, Guy Johnson, 
began to incite the Iroquois and Scotch Highlanders to 
arm against the patriots. These two men, assisted by 
John and Walter Butler, father and son, and Daniel 
Claus, a son-in-law of Sir William, who had aided 
Joseph Brant and Sir William to translate the Book of 



80 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Common Prayer into the Mohawk tongue, were the 
leaders of toryism in northern I^ew York. 

Sir John Flees to Canada. — Ordered by Congress, 
Schuyler went to disarm the Johnsons and their ad- 
herents. Guy Johnson and Brant fled to Canada with 
most of the Mohawks. E^ear Johnstown Schuyler met 
Sir John, who gave his parole to remain neutral and sur- 
rendered his own arms and those of his Highlander ten- 
ants (Jan., 1776). Soon Sir John again fell under sus- 
picion and a detachment was sent to arrest him, but he 
escaped to Canada, where he was made colonel of two 
battalions of New York Loyalists called the Royal 
Greens or Johnson's Greens. Henceforth he was a 
most bitter foe of the Americans. 

Battery Guns Seized. — To supply the patriots with 
badly needed cannon, the Provincial Congress ordered 
the twenty-one mounted guns at the Battery to be 
seized. Under cover of night Captain John Lamb's new 
artillery company, assisted by Sears and Hamilton, 
proceeded to remove the guns. From a royal barge 
near the shore a shot was fired at them. Lamb's troops 
replied with their muskets, and then the British began 
a general cannonade, but the guns were captured. One 
of the barge's men was killed, three Americans were 
wounded, and several houses were damaged (Oct. 23, 
1775). 

An Expedition against Canada was now decided upon. 
Schuyler was in command, assisted by Montgomery. At 
the outlet of Lake Champlain sickness compelled Schuy- 
ler to give up the command to Montgomery, who, after 
a siege of fifty days, took St. Johns (I^ov. 3, 1775). 
Meanwhile Ethan Allen was sent ahead to raise a corps 



THE WAn-GLOTID BURSTS ON NEW YORK 81 

of Canadians. He succeeded, but instead of returning 
to aid in the siege, his '' vanity and rash ambition '' led 
him to try to capture Montreal He was defeated and 
sent in irons to England. On I^ovember 12 Mont- 
gomery, unopposed, took possession of Montreal. 
Joined bj^ Arnold, ^\^io had been; sent to Canada by way 
of the Kennebec River, he moved against Quebec. The 
attack was made in the early morning of the. last day of 
the old year, amid darkness and a furious snow-storm. 
^' Push on, brave boys ! '' exclaimed the leader. A dis- 
charge of grapeshot from the enemy's guns saved Can- 
ada to Britain. Montgomery fell and every man ^' in 
front of the column, except Captain Aaron Burr and 
the guide, was struck to death.'' Forty-three years 
later the state of J^ew York brought Montgomery's re- 
mains to its metropolis, and beside St. Paul's Church a 
monument to his memory arrests the attention of 
thousands passing it on Broadway. 

Lee and Clinton at New York. — Early in 1776 a 
British fleet sailed from Boston. Surmising that J^ew 
York was its destination, Washington authorized Gen- 
eral Charles Lee to raise men in Connecticut to put the 
city in a state of defense and to disarm the Tories, who 
were especially numerous in southern !New York and 
who were plotting against the patriots. The leaders 
were to be seized. Governor Tryon, on one of the 
vessels in the harbor, was at the bottom of all these 
plots of the Loyalists. General Lee and th^ British 
fleet under Sir Henry Clinton reached Xew York on 
the same day. The people were panic-stricken and many 
hastened to remove their effects into the countrv. 



82 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Carts and boats were very busy. The fright was soon 
over, for in a few days the fleet sailed away. 

The Hickey Plot. — When the British troops departed 
from Boston, Washington sent the larger part of his 
army to Xew York, and in April arrived himself. He 
completed the works for defense begun by Lee and con- 
structed others. General Green was stationed on Long 
Island. At this time the ^^ Hickey plot " was discovered. 
It was an agreement among the Tories to kill or capture 
Washington, to blow up the magazines, and to join the 
British upon their arrival. Governor Tryon was de- 
nounced as the instigator of it. Many leading Tories 
were tried, but acquitted. One of Washington's body- 
guard w^as arrested as a conspirator, found guilty and 
hanged. 

The Howes after New York. — Soon General William 
Howe with an army of 30,000 men composed of Eng- 
lishmen, Hessians, and Loyalists landed on Staten 
Island. His brother. Admiral Lord Howe, had a fleet of 
over 400 vessels. These British leaders believed that 
the capture of !N'ew York would end the war. To face 
this formidable enemy the patriots had comparatively 
few troops, and these were poorly supplied with arms 
and ammunition. 

Declaration of Independence. — While Howe's army 
was reaching ^New York, Congress was making a nation 
of the thirteen colonies in revolt. A committee of five 
persons, of whom Robert R. Livingston was one, re- 
ported for adoption that '^ immortal state paper/' the 
Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776, the 
United States of America was born. Four of New 
York's representatives, William Floyd, Philip Liv- 



THE COLONY BECOMES A STATE 83 

iiigston, Francis Lewis, and Lewis Morris, signed the 
famous paper. Robert R. Livingston would also have 
signed it, but was necessarily absent at the time. These 
men played an important part in the history of the 
young Republic. William Lloyd was a general, a con- 
gressman, state senator and presidential elector. Philip 
Livingston, the grandson of the founder of the manor, 
was a state senator and a congressman. Robert R. 
Livingston w^as the first chancellor of the state. Francis 
Lewis sacrificed all his wealth for the Revolution. 
Lewis Morris, the grandson of Chief Justice Lewis 
Morris, was active in the contest. 



Chapter XVIII. — The Colony Becomes a State 

New York Becomes a State. — In May, 17 Y 6, the Con- 
tinental Congress advised the colonies to form state gov- 
ernments. To that end Kew York sent deputies to the 
fourth Provincial Congress, which met on July 9 in 
the court-house at White Plains. This body first iman- 
imously adopted the Declaration of Independence, and 
then called itself " The Convention of the Repre- 
sentatives of the State of :^ew York '' (July 10). For 
eighteen months this body transacted public business 
for the state at Fishkill, Harlem, Kingston, and Pough- 
keepsie. During its adjournment a Committee of 
Safety had charge of affairs. 

Battle of Long Island.— Meanwhile General Howe was 
planning to take New York. Late in August he sent 
20,000 men to Long Island and in three divisions at- 



84 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tacked the 8,000 Americans at Brooklyn. General 
Greene liad j)repared the defense, but sickness com- 
pelled him to yield the command to General Snllivan, 
who, in turn, gave it up to General Putnam, his superior 
in rank. The battle was a series of terrible skirmishes 
in which the Americans were defeated with a loss of 
nearly 2,000 men in killed and captured (Aug. 27, 
1776). Among the prisoners were Generals Sullivan 
and Stirling. 

While General Howe was debating what move to 
make next, Washington crossed to Brooklyn, held a 
council of war, and b^, their advice withdrew his troops 
to ISTew York City under the cover of a foggy night. 
Seeing his mistake, Howe decided to capture Washing- 
ton's army on Manhattan Island. War-ships surrounded 
the metropolis and an army was landed on the west 
shore. But Washington wisely withdrew his army 
northward, leaving the city to the British. 

Nathan Hale. — After withdrawing his forces from 
Long Island Washington desired information about the 
enemy. Captain Nathan Hale volunteered his services. 
In disguise he w^ent to the British camp, got the desired 
information, and was returning when he was arrested. 
Howe ordered him hanged as a spy. He met his death 
bravely, saying, " I only regret I have but one life to 
lose for my country '' (Sept. 22, 1776). In the City 
Hall Park of New York, 117 years later, a monument 
was erected to his memory. On ^^ Evacuation Day,'' 
l^ovember 25, 1893, it was unveiled in the presence of 
thousands, and the Bev. Dr. Edward Everett Hale, of 
Boston, a descendant of the martyr-spy, delivered an ad- 
dress. Truly it may be said that 



THE COLONY BECOMES A STATE 



85 



" Whether on the scaffold high or in the battle's van, 

The noblest place for man to die is where he dies for man. 




MONUMENT OF NATHAN HALE 



Battles above New York. — ^Howe's troops followed 
Washington. At Harlem Heights a spirited but inde- 
cisive contest took place (Sept. 16). A more general 



86 SHOUT HI8T0BY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

engagement occurred at White Plains forty-two days 
later (Oct. 28), in which the British loss was twice as 
great as that of the Americans. Washington then 
crossed to 'New Jersey, leaving Colonel Magaw in com- 
mand at Fort Washington. Attacked by superior num- 
bers, Magaw surrendered the fort and over 2,600 men 
to the enemy. The British were now in complete pos- 
session of all southern New York, Avhich they held until 
the close of the war. New York Citv became, from 
this time on, the English headquarters in America and 
the Mecca of Loyalists. 

Contest on Lake Champlain. — To the north General 
Gates was in command in July, 1776, Avith headquarters 
at Ticonderoga. Sir Guy Carleton, governor of Canada, 
was ready with thirty or forty armed vessels and 700 
seamen to take the lake. To meet him a flotilla of three 
schooners, two sloops, three galleys, and eight gondolas 
was given to General Arnold. The fleets met October 
11, but the contest was unequal. One American vessel 
was sunk and another was burned. The others escaped 
in the darkness, but were pursued the next morning and 
overtaken near Crown Point, where a third ship was 
captured and the rest were run ashore and burned. 
Arnold had lost about ninety men in his gallant de- 
fense. Carleton returned to Canada, and Ticonderoga 
was safe. 

Treatment of American Prisoners. — The soldiers, 
sailors, and dangerous " rebels " w^ho were British 
prisoners were cruelly treated. They were crowded 
into churches, sugar-houses, Columbia College and 
other buildings, and confined in the hulks of eight old 
ships^ without beds or blankets and with scanty food. 



THE COLONY BECOMES A STATE 



87 



The patriots called the old dungeon-ships "floating 
hells/' Not less than 12,000 Americans died from 
these hardships, and their remains were collected in 
later j^ears and now lie entombed in Brooklyn's Fort 
Greene Park. The Society of Old Brooklynites sa- 
credly preserves about 8,000 of their names. The 
Americans also used a " fleet prison " up the Hudson 
for the Tories. Washington wished to exchange prison- 
ers, but Howe preferred to retain his captured 
" rebels." 




THE JEKSEY PRISON-SHIP 



Proclamation of the Howes. — To reclaim the '^ rebels " 
General Howe and his brother, the admiral, issued a 
proclamation offering pardon to all who would submit to 
the king's authority. Many who believed that resist- 
ance to the well-disciplined British army, the hired 
Hessians, the battalions of Tories and the bands of sav- 
ages was useless, accepted the pardon. But the great 
body of the people could not be swerved from their duty 
to their country. 



88 8H0BT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

First Constitution. — Meanwhile the convention was 
framing a constitution for the new state. On Angust 
1, 1776, a committee of thirteen members, with John 
Jay as chairman/ was appointed for that work. The 
committee reported on March 12, 1777, to the conven- 
tion at Kingston. After more than a month's discus- 
sion, the first constitution of the state was adopted on 
April 20, 1777. It created a legislature of two houses, 
the senate and the assembly. The executive power 
was vested in a governor chosen by the people. In the 
first election George Clinton, John Morin Scott, Philip 
Schuyler, John Jay, Philip Livingston, and Robert R. 
Livingston all received votes for governor, but Clinton 
was elected. '^ Standing on the top of a barrel in front 
of the court-house in Kingston " on July 30, 1777, he 
took the oath of office. John Jay was appointed chief 
justice and Robert R. Livingston was made chancellor. 



Chapter XIX. — Saratoga Turns the Tide 

Burgoyne's Invasion. — War rather than the new gov- 
ernment continued to claim the attention of the people 
of Xew York. The state was attacked from the north 
and south. A large force of British, Hessians, 
Canadians, Loyalists, and Indians was coming down 
from Canada. General Burgoyne was approaching 
by way of Lake Champlain, and Colonel St. Leger was 

^ The other members were John S. Hobart, William Smith, 
William Duer, Gouverneur Morris, Robert E. Livingston, John 
Broome, John Morin Scott, Abraham Yates, Henry Wisner, 
Samuel Townsend, Charles De Witt, and Robert Yatea, 



SARATOGA TURNS THE TIDE 



89 



descending the Mohawk. Troops from Howe's army 

were to co-operate with them 

in taking Albany and the posts 

on the Hudson, and thus cut 

off N^ew England from the 

rest of the ^' rebels." 

Fall of Ticonderoga. — Gen- 
eral Schuyler commanded the 
patriot forces. General St. 
Clair held Ticonderoga and ex- 
pected to withstand Burgoyne, 
but the latter dragged a bat- 
tery up a neighboring moun- 
tain, which he called Fort De- 
fiance, and threw shells into 
Fort Ticonderoga and also 
upon Mt. Independence. St. 
Clair was forced to withdraw 
his forces from both places. 
Part of his troops crossed to 
Vermont and the rest sailed 
up the lake. At Hubbardton 
the first section was dispersed 
(July 7, 1777), and the second 
was defeated at Skenesborough (now Whitehall). 

Murder of Miss McCrea.— After delays caused by re- 
moving trees which Schuyler had felled across the 
roads, Burgovne reached the Hudson and now felt cer- 
tain of success. But causes were at work for his de- 
feat. His savage allies were arousing the people 
through their deeds of cruelty. As many as twenty 
scalps were carried to the British army in a day, and 




Schenectady 



MASS. 



90 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

among the victims was the beautiful Jane McCrea, who 
was engaged to be married to one of Burgoyne's of- 
ficers. The patriot farmers with their own guns, and 
cow-horns for holding powder, joined Schuyler by the 
hundred to check the enemy. 

St. Leber's Defeat was a severe blow to Burgoyne. 
Fort Schuyler was garrisoned by 700 men under Colonel 
Peter Gansevoort. With St. Leger were Sir John 
Johnson, Colonel John Butler, and Joseph Brant, th? 
Mohawk chief, with a thousand Indians. General Her- 
kimer with TOO Tr^^on county militiamen, " the bravest 
people in western Xew York," marched to aid the fort. 
At Oriskany, six miles from the fort, he was suddenlT 
attacked by the enemy. The bloody battle lasted an 
hour and a half, when the enemy was repulsed. Her- 
kimer was badly wounded, but continued to give orders 
throughout the fight. Before Congress could reward 
the hero, however, he had died of his Avounds. 

Battle of Oriskany — While the battle was raging 
Colonel Willett mth 250 men sallied forth from the 
fort and fell upon the besiegers. Johnson with his 
Tories and Indians fled in fright. The Americans 
captured twenty-one wagon-loads of spoil, consisting of 
clothing, blankets, and stores; also five British stand- 
ards and all of Johnson's baggage and papers (Aug. 6). 
General Arnold, with three regiments from Schuyler's 
army, pursued St. Leger. The Indians were disap- 
pointed and angry, and hence deserted the British 
leader. Arnold increased the panic in the enemy's 
camp by sending exaggerated reports concerning the 
size of his army into St. Leger's lines. The stratagem 
worked like a charm. St. Leger abandoned his artillery. 



SARATOGA TUBNS THE TIDE 91 

left his tents standing, and fled in terror to his boats on 
Lake Ontario (Aug. 23). 

Battle of Bennington. — ^Burgoyne soon received a blow 
from another quarter. He had sent Colonel Baume to 
collect stores at Bennington and to prevent New Eng- 
land troops from opposing the march on Albany. Colo- 
nel Baume did not get beyond the limits of New York. 
He entrenched on the Walloomsac Kiver, seven miles 
from Bennington, and wrote to Burgoyne for more 
troops. Colonel John Stark had a corps of New Hamp- 
shire militia '' to stop the progress of the enemy," and 
was joined by militia from Vermont, Massachusetts, and 
New York. He attacked Baume on every side, and in 
less than two hours Baume was slain and his troops 
were forced to surrender. 

The first battle was over when Colonel Breyman ar- 
rived with help for Baume. Fortunately Colonel Seth 
Warner and his '' Green Mountain Boys " reached the 
battle-field at this time. "With these troops and such 
others as he could collect Stark began the second battle. 
At sunnset Breyman retreated, leaving his artiller}^, 
and was saved from his pursuers only by the darkness 
(Aug. 16). Nearly 700 prisoners were -marched to 
Bennington. 

British Open the Hudson.— Burgoyne's sky was very 
cloudy now. In no direction was there a ray of hope. 
Sir Henry Clinton conducted a marauding expedition 
of 4,000 men up the Hudson. General Israel Putnam 
was deceived by the landing of the British eight miles 
below Peekskill, for the greater part of their forces 
crossed under a heavy fog to the western shore to cap- 
ture Forts Clinton and Montgomery. Putnam sent 



92 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

troops over the river, but it was too late. Governor 
Clinton at Kingston, suspecting Sir Henry's purpose, 
hastened to take command of one of the forts, while his 
brother James commanded the other. The force in 
both forts did not exceed 600. The attack and defense 
were furious. The Americans refused to surrender 
and were either killed, or captured, or escaped (Oct. 6). 
Fort Independence, on the eastern bank, and Fort 
Constitution, on an island opposite West Point, were 
also abandoned. The British removed the obstructions 
in the river, and now the way was open to Albany. Sir 
Henry sent the expedition up the river, while he re- 
turned to E^ew York. The shores were plundered and 
Kingston was reduced to ashes (Oct. 16), in spite of 
Governor Clinton's efforts to prevent it. But no aid 
reached Burgoyne from Sir Henry Clinton. 

Fall of Burgoyne. — St. Leger's failure, Baume's de- 
feat, lack of help from the south, and the desertion of 
his Indian and Canadian allies led Burgoyne to think of 
retreating to Ticonderoga. The patriots under Schuy- 
ler were rallying to capture the invaders, when Congress 
removed Schuyler from command and appointed Gates 
to succeed him. On September 19 the battle of Bemis 
Heights was fought, but neither side was victorious. 
Burgoyne had lost 600 men, but remained on the battle- 
field. On October 7 the battle of Stillwater, or the 
battle of Saratoga, was fought with desperate bravery on 
both sides. At length the British gave way, and ten 
days later Burgoyne surrendered (Oct. 17). The Amer- 
icans had won one of the " decisive battles of the world." 
All patriots rejoiced and saw victory ahead. King 
George III. and his ministers were in dismay. France 



THE WAR BROUGHT TO AN END 93 

was glad, and Dr. Franklin persuaded Louis XVI. 
% to recognize the independence of the United States 
and to form an alliance with them (Feb., 1778).^ 



Chapter XX. — The War Beotjght to an End 

Situation in 1778. — In the beginning of 1778 Lake 
Champlain, the Mohawk, and the Hudson down to ISTew 
York were free from the British. In the western part 
of the state were a few Loyalist corps and their red 
allies. Burgoyne's defeat had greatly disappointed the 
savages, and the Tuscaroras and many of the Mohawks 
deserted the royal cause. The Oneidas never helped 
the king, but the powerful Senecas were bitter foes of 
the patriots throughout the war. In March of this year 
commissioners from Congress and General Lafayette 
met over 700 Indians at Johnstown to conciliate them. 
Not a Seneca was present. The Oneidas and Tuscaroras 
were commended for resisting British corruption. Fair 
promises were made by the red men, but not kept. 

Tories and Indians.— During 1778-9 Xew York ceased 
to be the battle-ground of the Eevolution. Hence the 
way was open for the invasions of the Tories and In- 
dians. They spread death and desolation up and down 
the Mohawk Valley. Brant and Walter Butler, son of 



^General Benedict Arnold, the traitor, took a very prominent 
part in the second battle. With the Americans fought Kosciusko, 
a Polish patriot, of noble soul, great courage, and skill in war. 
He fortified Gates's army on Bemis Heights and later helped to 
construct defensive works at West Point. To-day a monument 
to this brave man adorns the grounds of West Point. 



94 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

the Tory leader John Butler, were the leaders of these 
fiendish incursions. Brant had been educated in a New 
England school, wore English clothes, and had been well 
received in England. In vain he tried to check the 
excesses of his savage followers, and many were the 
victims of the tomahawk. 

Savage Warfare. — Bands of Tories and Indians in- 
vaded the Cobleskill and Schoharie settlements and in- 
flicted great destruction upon life and property. Spring- 
field, on Otsego Lake, was captured and burned. In 
July Andrustown, near the German Flats, suifereJ in 
the same way and the German Flats settlement was in- 
vaded. In the latter place the people had taken refuge 
in two fortified positions and also in their church. But 
their homes were burned and their horses, sheep, and 
cattle driven away. In retaliation the Oneidas fol- 
lowed Brant to his headquarters in the Unadilla settle- 
ment, took some prisoners, recovered some of the stolen 
cattle, and burned the Tory houses. Continental troops 
from Schoharie soon utterly destroyed that Loyalist 
stronghold. 

Cherry Valley, on the eastern branch of the Susque- 
hanna, soon felt the revenge of the Indians and Tories. 
The attack was made in the early morning of November 
11. Many were slain, the houses were set on fire, and 
about forty were taken prisoners. A fort, built by 
Lafayette, was assailed without success, but the plucky 
garrison could give no protection to the people in their 
homes. 

Sullivan's Expedition. — To punish the Indians and 
to stop their massacres Washington's aid was asked. 
General Sullivan with 3,000 men was sent from Penn- 



THE WAR BROUGHT TO AN END 95 

sylvania to western Xew York. He was joined by 
General James Clinton with 1,600 men from the Mo- 
hawk. On August 29, 1779, they found a body of In- 
dians and Tories strongly fortified on the Chemung 
River where Elmira now stands. The enemy were 
easily routed, and then the armv advanced to the Gene- 
see Valley, where they cut down the old Indian 
orchards, destroyed thousands of bushels of corn, and 
burned the villages. The plan to attack Niagara was 
not carried out. The raid intimidated the Indians for 
a short time, but soon their revengeful depredations 
w^ere renewed. 

Clinton's Second Expedition. — Meanwhile attention 
was turned to Sir Henry Clinton's second expedition up 
the Hudson. To protect the Highlands, Washington 
had ordered the erection of Fort Lafayette at Ver- 
planck's Point. Across the river, at Stony Point, a 
more important fort was being built, when Sir Henry 
stole up the river and captured it. He mounted can- 
non on the unfinished fort and, with the assistance of 
three armed vessels, opened fire upon Fort Lafayette. 
The little garrison of seventv men was forced to sur- 
render (June 1). Sir Henry set men to complete Fort 
Stony Point, put a garrison in Fort Lafayette, and then 
returned to New York. 

Storming of Stony Point. — "Washington suspected that 
the British had designs on West Point. To thwart 
their plans, therefore, he sent General Wayne to re- 
capture Stony Point. On July 16, just after midnight, 
Wayne and his men reached the Point. Guided by a 
negro who sold fruit and vegetables to the British, they 
reached the outworks before being discovered. They 



96 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



advanced with fixed bayonets from opposite sides, heed- 
less of grapeshot and miisketry, and gained the center 
of the fort at the same time. One of the most brilliant 
victories of the war had been won without a shot by 
the victors. The Americans lost fifteen killed and 
eighty-three were w^ounded; the British loss was sixty- 
three killed and five hundred and fiftv-three taken 
prisoners. At daybreak Fort Lafayette was bom- 
barded but not taken. Stony Point was destroyed and 
its cannon and stores removed to West Point, " the 
guardian fortress of the river " (July 18). 

Arnold's Treason. — '^ If we could capture West 
Point/' said Clinton, '' we would soon end the rebel- 
lion." It united ]^ew England 
to the rest of the Union and 
guarded the water communication 
between Xew York City and 
Canada. In a short time it 
looked as if the prize would fall 
into Sir Ilenrv's hands without 
fighting. General Arnold, smart- 
ing under a reprimand for breach 
of trust, asked Washington to 
give him the command at West 
Point, since the w^ounds he re- 
^\ I ceived at Saratoga unfitted him 
for more active service. His 
request was granted. At once he planned to surrender 
West Point to Clinton, and Major Andre was sent up 
the Hudson to arrange the details of the plot. 

The Treason Discovered. — Arnold and Andre met 
about six miles below West Point and drew up an agree- 




THE WAR BBOUOHT TO AN END 



97 



ment. Andre expected to return to ]N"ew York in the 
sloop Vulture, but instead was rowed across the river. 
With a passport from Arnold he started for T^ew York 
on horseback. ]^ear Tarrytown he was stopped by 
three patriots, John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac 
Van AVert, members of a band of volunteers who were 
looking for British freebooters. Andre was searched 




READING ANDRE S DEATH-WARRANT TO HIM 



and his treasonable mission exposed (Sept. 23, 1780). 
He was taken to the nearest American post, and Arnold 
was informed of the capture. Thus warned, the traitor 
escaped to the Vulture and safely reached New York. 
Andre was tried by court-martial and hanged as a spy 
(Oct. 2). 

Peace of Paris. — The subsequent events of the war 
took place in the south. At Yorktown, October 19, 



D8 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

1781, Cornwallis surrendered his army. After that 
the sword was exchanged for the pen and the contest 
was transferred to Paris, where, September 3, 1783, a 
treaty of peace was concluded. John Jay, with Dr. 
Franklin and John Adams, played a prominent part in 
the negotiations. 



Chapter XXI. — Xew Yoek at the Close of the 

Revolution 

Articles of Confederation. — Seven months previous to 
the surrender of Cornwallis, Congress met for the first 
time under the new powers conferred by the Articles of 
Confederation. During four years these articles had 
been before the states for approval. Xew York was 
among the first to ratify them, but Maryland refused to 
do so until the claims of the states to western lands 
were adjusted. Xew York's claim rested on the 
treaties with the Six Xations. The claims of Virginia, 
Connecticut, and Massachusetts were based on old 
charters long annulled and replaced by new charters. A 
committee of five members appointed by Congress to 
examine these claims reported that '^ the sole title to th3 
western lands was in Xew York." Congress adopted 
the report. " AVith a magnanimity unparalleled," 
Xew York made a free gift of this vast estate to the 
Union. Congress accepted the gift. The other states 
followed Xew York's example. Maryland at once ap- 
proved of the articles, and the Confederation was com- 
plete (March 1, 1781). 

"Washington Refuses a Crown. — While Jay and his 
companions were at Paris concluding terms of peace, 



SEW YORK AT THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION 99 

f 

Washington and his army were at ^ewburg. It was 
while there that his officers wished him to take '^ the 
title of king.'' Washington rejected the suggestion 
with scorn. Thus the Father of his Country opened 
the way for the great Kepublic. 

Evacuation of New York.— In April, 1782, Sir Guy 
Carleton replaced Clinton at E"ew York. Hostilities 
had already ceased. Sir Guy wrote to Washington that 
he was preparing to evacuate the city. In the early 
months of 1783, Loyalists began to sail for Canada and 
^Nova Scotia. It is estimated that 100,000 souls left 
;N"ew York " with all their cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, 
grain, household furniture, and utensils of husbandry.'' 
The last of the British troops embarked on November 
25, since known as '' Evacuation Day." 

Washington's Farewell. — Washington and Governor 
George Clinton, follow^ed by a large procession of 
soldiers and citizens, took possession of the metropolis. 
Clinton had been chosen governor in 1777, again in 
1780, and was now serving the first year of his third 
term. Four more times he served as chief executive, 
thus holding the office twenty-one years. Nine days 
after Sir Guy's departure Washington, '^ with a heart 
full of love and gratitude," bade farewell to his com- 
panions in arms, and on December 22 resigned his 
commission to Congress. 

Treatment of Loyalists.— The treaty of peace pro- 
tected the Loyalists and stated that no such person 
should " suffer any further loss in his person, liberty, or 
property." New York refused to observe the terms of 
the treaty because everywhere the patriots protested. 
In a mass-meeting at Fort Plain in May, 1783, they re- 

LofC. 



100 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

solved that tlieir Tory neighbors should not be per- 
mitted to live in the district '' on any pretense what- 
ever." In Xew York City the Sons of Liberty declared 
in a meeting held in March, 1784, that no Tories ought 
to be permitted to live in the state. The legislature dis- 
franchised all objectionable Loyalists and passed the 
Trespass Act, which allowed patriots to collect damages 
from Tories who occupied their properties. Large 
sums were realized by the state from the sale of prop- 
erty forfeited by Loyalists. 

Harsh Acts Repealed. — Many thoughtful persons, 
among them Hamilton and Jay, said that these laws vio- 
lated the treaty of peace, the laws of nations, and public 
morals. Through Hamilton's influence in a test case, 
the Supreme Court declared the Trespass Act void. In 
1787 the disfranchising act was repealed. Thousands 
of Loyalists became good citizens of the new state, but 
still other thousands emigrated to various parts of the 
British empire. 

At the Close of the Revolution only two or three streets 
in the city of Kew York were paved. Street lamps 
were few and owned by private persons. Dutch cus- 
toms prevailed and most business was transacted in 
Dutch. Albany was still more Dutch than Xew York, 
and remained so for years. There no streets were 
paved. The war had killed the fur-trade. In 1797 
Albany became the capital of the state. " Troy was 
not much more than a collection of houses '' of the 
Van Rensselaers. A few houses clustered around an 
inn formed Newburg. 

Western New York. — The country north and west of 
Schenectady was almost an unbroken wilderness. When 



iV^TF YORK ADOPTS THE CONSTITUTION OF 1787 101 

Washington and Clinton went through central New 
York in 1783, Oswego was a military post on the ex- 
treme frontier. " Deer browsed and black bears 
roamed at will over the plain where Rochester now 
stands/' Foxes and wolves were numerous on the site 
of Syracuse. At Saratoga a single spring bubbled up 
through a barrel sunk in the ground. 



Chapter XXII. — Xew York Adopts the 
Constitution of 1787 

Trouble under Articles of Confederation.— The Ar- 
ticles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, proved to be 
very unsatisfactory. New York refused to consent to 
a duty on imports to raise money with which to pay 
public debts unless her officers should collect the duties 
in the currency of the state (1786). Congress tried to 
induce Governor Clinton to call the legislature in order 
to have this condition removed, but he refused to sur- 
render the advantage which the fine harbor gave New 
York. 

Constitution of the United States. — An attempt to re- 
vise the weak Articles of Confederation led to the fram- 
ing of the Constitution of the United States (1787). 
New York was represented in the constitutional con- 
vention by Alexander Hamilton, Robert Yates, and 
John Lansing, Jr., but when all states were given equal 
representation in the national senate the last two with- 
drew, declaring that the convention had exceeded its 
powers. Tw^o parties began to form, the Federalists, 
who favored the constitution, and the Anti-federalists, 



102 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

who denounced it for transferring too much of the 
state's power to Congress. Hamilton, Jay, Richard 
Morris, John W. Hobart, Robert R. Livingston, and 
James Duane belonged to the first party; Governor 
Clinton, Robert Yates, Peter Yates, John Lansing, Jr., 
Abraham Lansing, Samuel Jones, and Melancthon Smith 
were members of the second. In Albany the Anti- 
federalists burned a copy of the constitution, and a fight 
took place between them and the Federalists. 

Attitude of New York. — Clinton led the Anti- 
federalists in Xew York, while Hamilton and Jay cham- 
pioned the other party. To Hamilton more than any 
other man belongs the credit of securing the adoption 
of the constitution. With the aid of Madison and Jay 
he wrote The Federalist papers which won thousands to 
the support of the new constitution. After a long and 
stormy session at Poughkeepsie the state legislature 
adopted the constitution (July 26, 1788).^ The ratifica- 
tion did not take place, however, until the fact was 
known that the required nine states had given their 
approval and until certain amendments had been recom- 
mended. 

Washington Inaugurated. — Congress made I^ew York 
City the capital of the newly organized nation. There, 
on the balcony of Federal Hall, amid a vast throng 
of proud Americans, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston 
tendered the oath of ofiice to President Washington. 
A shout of gladness went up from the people, guns 
were fired, and the church bells rang out joyful peals. 
At night fireworks and bright illuminations closed 

^ The final vote stood 30 to 27 in favor of the constitution. 
Seven refused to vote. 



N'EW YORK ADOPTS THE CONSTITUTION OF 1787 103 



the day (April 30, 1789). To John Jay Washing- 
ton tendered the choice of offices within his gift. He 
preferred a place in the judiciary department, and was 
appointed the first Chief Justice of the United States. 




WASHINGTON TAKES THE OATH OF OFFICE 

Hamilton was given a seat in the cabinet as Secretary of 
the Treasury. In that capacity he soon developed that 
remarkable svstem which laid the basis for the national 
financial policy and established public credit. 

New York's First Representatives. — In the first Con- 
gress under the constitution (March 4, 1789), N'ew 
York had at first no representatives in the Senate. This 
was owing to a quarrel between the two branches of the 
legislature. The Federalists controlled the senate and 



lOdt SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tlie Anti-federalists ruled the assembly. They refused 
to agree, and hence !N^ew York took no part in the elec- 
tion of the first President, and had no voice in the Sen- 
ate until another state election gave the Federalists a 
majority in both branches of the legislature. Rufus 
King and Philip Schuyler were then chosen senators. 
In 1791 Aaron Burr, an Anti-federalist, was chosen 
senator to succeed Schuyler. The first representatives 
in Congress were Egbert Benson, William Ployd, John 
Hathorn, John Lawrence, Peter Silvester, and Jere- 
miah Yan Rensselaer. In December, 1790, N^ew York 
ceased to be the capital of the federal government 
which was moved to Philadelphia. 

Dispute with. Vermont. — At the close of 1790 there 
Avere seventeen counties in the state. Two of these and 
part of another are now in Yermont. The success of 
Massachusetts and Connecticut, in establishing their 
western boundaries against the claims of l^ew York, em- 
boldened Governor Wentworth of Xew Hampshire to 
claim what is now Yermont. He issued land grants to 
settlers in that region (1760—68) in the face of protests 
from jSTew York, whose title was valid and confirmed by 
George III. Of course a confiict soon arose between 
those who held grants from ^N'ew York and those who 
held grants from Xew Hampshire. The former paid 
taxes to ]^ew York, the latter refused to do so. 

Vermont Becomes a State. — Chief among those who 
resisted Xew York's authority were Seth Warner and 
Ethan Allen. Allen, as commander of the armed force, 
protected the I^ew Hampshire grantees and even re- 
moved the E'ew York settlers. This led Governor 
Tryon to offer a reward of £150 for the capture of Allen 



THE DISPOSAL OF WESTERN LANDS 105 

and £50 each for several of liis associates (1774). The 
war of the Revolution and the patriotic services of 
Allen and his comrades checked further proceedings 
against them. When Vermont applied for admission to 
the Union (1789), Kew York successfully opposed it. 
Finally Vermont agreed to pay $30,000 as compensa- 
tion to settlers from ^ew York who had suffered from 
the hostilitv of other settlers, and then ^ew York with- 
drew all objection (1791). 



Chapter XXIII. — The Disposal of Western Lands 

Condition in 1800. — In 1790 the population of Xew 
York was 340,120 and the state ranked fifth. In 1800 
New York had risen to third place. This was due, in 
large part, to emigration to the western wilderness. 
In 1771 Albany county embraced all northern and w^est- 
ern ISTew York. The next year Tryon and Charlotte 
counties, changed in 1784 to Montgomery and Wash- 
ington, were formed. When the Revolution closed, 
the whole state west of Utica was not settled by white 
men. By 1800 there w^ere 94,000 wdiites west of the 
Hudson, and thirty counties in the state. Clinton, 
Essex, and Saratoga had been created on the north; 
Greene, Delaware, and Rockland in the south; Herki- 
mer, Otsego, Schoharie, Oneida, Chenango, Onondaga, 
Cayuga, Tioga, Ontario, and Steuben in the center and 
west; and Columbia in the east. By 1791 over 5,000,- 
000 acres of land had been sold, some of it as low as six 
cents an acre, and $1,000,000 had been turned into the 
state treasury. 



106 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Sullivan's Famous Expedition (1779-80) first made 
known to the revolutionary soldiers from New England 
and the Middle States the beanty and fertility of west- 
ern ISTew York. In 1784 the first settlement near 
Utica was made by Hugh AVhite and family from Con- 
necticut. This was the origin of Whitestown. Settle- 
ment was rapid. In a few years log cabins had sprung 
up along rivers and lakes. ^' Hosts of New Eng- 
landers poured into New York. They cleared the 
forests, bridged the streams, built up towns, cultivated 
the lands, and sent back to Albany and Troy the yield 
of their farms." The Germans and Dutch were not far 
behind them. Up the Susquehanna came settlers fr.mi 
Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania to settle the 
^^ Lake Country." ^' In 1800 the front of emigration 
was far beyond Elmira and Bath.'* 

First Settlements. — Horatio Jones and Lawrence 
Smith located at Seneca Ealls, and Amos Draper at 
Oswego (1785). Ephraim Webster and family settled 
Onondaga county, and Samuel Harris, Steuben county 
(1786). James Bennet was at West Cayuga, Captain 
Joseph Leonard at Binghamton, and several ^^ Yan- 
kees " -^ at Geneva (1787). Moses Foot and ten fami- 
lies founded Clinton; Oliver Phelps, Canandaigua; Col- 
onel John Handy, Elmira; and Corning, Havana, and 
Watkins were begun (1788). Judge Cooper estab- 
lished Cooperstown; Horseheads, Ithaca, Ovid, Aurora, 
Waterloo, Penn Yan, Honeoye, Lyons, and Palmyra 
were started, and Troy received its present name 
(1789). John Swift also built a log house at Elmira; 
Geneseo and Naples were located, and Monroe and Liv- 

^ This was a name then applied to people from New England, 



THE DISPOSAL OF WESTERN LANDS 107 

ingston counties were inhabited (1790). Newark and 
Wayne took root (1791), and also Bath and Trumans- 
burg (1792). Anburn and Hammondsport were be- 
gun (1793). The first white settler in Allegany county 
was N'athaniel Dike (1795). Lewis and Jefferson coun- 
ties were settled (1797-8). Buffalo, early called New 
Amsterdam, had several log houses, a store, and a 
tavern (1798). Batavia and Westfield were not starte 1 
till 1801. Such, was western New York at the open- 
ing of the nineteenth century. 

Character of Settlers. — Settlers came by thousands 
from the east and south, and across the ocean. Among 
them wxre Tories and disbanded soldiers. Baron 
Steuben received 16,000 acres from the state. On this 
tract the old soldier spent the rest of his life. There a 
county and a town bear his name, and a monument is 
erected in his honor. To raise troops New York 
had promised 500 acres of land to every private and 
non-commissioned officer. Commissioned officers were 
promised 1,000 acres for a subaltern and 5,500 acres for 
a major-general (1781). After the war the soldiers 
demanded these bounty lands. Commissioners were 
appointed to settle the claims (1784), but it was not 
until 1786 that the surveyor-general was ordered to lay 
out to^\Tiships for the soldiers. 

The " Old Military Tract " of twelve townships was 
laid out in Essex, Clinton, and Franklin counties. But 
this was poor land, and the speculators, who had bought 
up most of the claims of the soldiers, demanded lands in 
the west. Accordingly the " New Military Tract " was 
laid out between Oneida and Seneca lakes (1789-90). 
It included Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Cortland, 



108 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

and a part of Oswego, Wavne, Scliiiyler, and Tompkins 
counties. There were twenty-five townships of 60,000 
acres each, divided into lots of 600 acres. Later 
(1791-2-5) three more townships were added, making 
in all about 1,680,000 acres. In each township ninety- 
four lots were drawn and one lot was set aside near the 
center for the cultivation of literature and another " for 
a school and the gospel." Disputes and charges of 
fraud and forgery led the legislature to order all land- 
owners to deposit their deeds for inspection. A great 
legal contest arose. Three commissioners were ap- 
pointed (1797) to adjust claims, and after five years' 
labor they settled the trouble. 

In 1786 a Land Office was created to sell public lands 
at not less than a shilling an acre. Five acres out of 
every hundred Avere reserved for roads, and lots were 
also set aside to promote literature and to support 
churches and schools. In eight years 20,000,000 acres 
were sold. Massachusetts claimed 7,000,000 acres west 
of Seneca Lake by right of an early colonial charter. 
At the Hartford convention Massachusetts surrendered 
all governmental rights, but received a title to the land 
west of Seneca Lake, which was one-fifth of the whole 
state. ]^ew York reserved a strip one mile wide the 
whole length of l^iagara River. 

Genesee Land Company. — Meanwhile about ninety 
persons on the Hudson organized the " ITew York 
Genesee Land Company,'' with a branch in Canada, to 
get possession of the lands of the Six N"ations (1787). 
For a bonus of $20,000 and an annual rent of $2,000 
the company leased for 999 years all their lands except 
some small reservations. Governor Clinton and the 



THE DISPOSAL OF WESTEUN LAITDB 109 

legislature declared the lease null. These land-grabbers 
even thought of creating a new state. Their scheme 
failed, and the promoters were forced to compromise 
with the legislature for a tract ten miles square in the 
'' Old Military Tract.'' 

Phelps and Gorham Purchase. — A company was organ- 
ized by Phelps and Gorham in 1788 to buy the land 
owned by Massachusetts. It was sold to them for 
$100,000 in paper money. The claim of the " Genesee 
Land Company " was also bought and a title secured 
from the Indians. The company sold thirty town- 
ships (1788-9), and settlers rushed into the new country 
by thousands. Because of non-payment Massachusetts 
took back the unsold land, about 1,100,000 acres, and 
resold it to Kobert Morris. He, in turn, sold it to an 
English " association " for $175,000. By 1791 he had 
secured all the " pre-emption right " of the Massa- 
chusetts tract, and by the Big Tree treaty the Indian 
claims were released. He disposed of over 3,600,000 
acres to Holland merchants at thirty-two cents an acre, 
and reserved 500,000 acres for himself. The Holland 
landlords advertised their lands for sale in 1800. There 
were about forty purchasers in 1801, 300 in 1804, 607 
in 1807, and 1,160 in 1809. This tract was called the 
Holland Purchase. 



110 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



Chapter XXIV. — The Development of Western 

New York 

Population in 1800. — Soon every state in the Union 
and nearly every country in Europe were represented in 
western Xew York. In 1800 tlie population west of 
Utica was over 105,000, and west of Oneida was nearly 
46,000. The first highways were rivers and lakes con- 
nected by Indian trails. General Sullivan cut the first 
road through western New York for his artillery. 
Settlers who went into this region from the east or 
south usually waited till winter covered the ground 
with snow and froze the swamps and rivers. In 1790-1 
a party of emigrants cut a road from Whitestown to 
Canandaigua. The " Genesee road " in 1791 ran from 
Chenango River to Cayuga Lake, and then over the old 
army track to Genesee River. An Indian trail led 
thence to Niagara. On this road there was much 
" corduroy," many fords, and one ferry. 

A Network of Roads soon followed. In 1794 a high- 
way was planned from Utica to the Genesee River. 
The state soon undertook the work. Not until the 
Revolution was New York connected with Albany by 
a wagon-road, yet by 1810 turnpikes connected all the 
chief points of the state. They were built by com- 
panies and were toll-roads. By 1850 they were re- 
placed by plank-roads. In 1811 not less than 4,500 
miles of roads had been built in the state. The building: 
of bridges accompanied the construction of roads. The 
one over the neck of Cayuga Lake (1787-1800) was 



THE DEVELOPMENT OF WESTERN NEW YORK 111 

over a mile long and cost $150,000. In a few years 
every important river was bridged. When the legis- 
lature was asked for a bridge across the Genesee River 
one speaker said: '^ It is a God-forsaken place! — in- 
habited by mnskrats, visited only by straggling trappers, 
through which neither man nor beast could gallop with- 
out fear of starvation or fever and ague." 

Stagfe-coaches. — With roads came stage-coaches. They 
weighed a ton, were richly decorated, and were drawn by 
four or more strong horses. As the horses hurried 
from place to place, the driver blew a horn to announce 
his coming, and was met by a crowd to see the pas- 
sengers and to hear the news. The state granted stage 
routes as privileges, and soon rival lines sprang up. 
There were the ^^ Splendid Red Coaches," the " Superior 
Yellow Coaches," and the ^'Redbird," ^^ Telegraph,'' and 
" Eclipse " lines. After the Revolution the stage ran 
from I^ew York to Albany in a week. In 1787 stages 
ran from Albany to Utica once in every two weeks, and 
in 1808 there was a daily line from Utica to Canan- 
daigua. There were slower lines to all Avestern settle- 
ments. The " Telegraph " soon carried six passengers 
from Albany to Buffalo in thirty hours for twelve 
dollars. The usual fare was six cents a mile. 

Mail. — In 1731 mail was carried from New York to 
Albany once a month by a foot-post. After 1775 post- 
riders were used, one on each side of the Hudson. By 
1793 mails were carried on horseback everv two weeks 
as far west as Utica, thence to Canandaigua (1794), 
Batavia (1802), Buffalo (1803), and Westfield (1806). 
In 1789 there were only seven post-offices in the state, 
all on the Hudson. It cost twenty-five cents to send a 



112 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

letter from Buffalo to Albany, and the expense to other 
points was in proportion to distances. 

Western Civilization. — The region west of Utica was 
rapidly settled. In 1791 more than 1,500 families 
passed through Schenectady. At Three Rivers 240 
yoke of oxen were connted at one time.-^ Log houses 
were soon built ^^ in the midst of stumps, half-burned 
logs, girdled trees, and confusion." The log barns were 
well filled. Land soon sold for from one to three dollars 
an acre. Saw-mills, grist-mills, asheries, lime-kilns, 
brick-yards, charcoal-pits, still-houses, blacksmith-shops, 
stores, and taverns were built as needs arose. Schools, 
churches, and jails were erected. Towns, townships, 
and counties were organized. With the settlement of 
Chautauqua county in 1801 civilization was planted all 
over western N^ew York. 

Social Institutions. — This new country had its o^vn 
social institutions : clearings, loggings, raisings, road- 
openings, choppings, quiltings, corn-huskings, butcher- 
ings, and sugarings-off, which helped to change the 
forest into fine farms. All these were made occasions 
of festivity. Dances, parties, frolics, religious gather- 
ings, school elections, annual fairs, and political meet- 
ings were also occasions of social intercourse. " General 
training '' called out every man from 18 to 45 three 
times a year for drill. This was a gala day and 
brought all the people together to enjoy the music, 
drills, and contests of skill. The old were reminded of 

^ An observer of that day (1791) wrote: "I have noticed that 
New England farmers settled in this country have, in some 
instances, adopted the lazy and unprofitable custom of using 
horses instead of oxen." 



THE DEVELOPMENT OF WESTERN NEW YORK 113 

the Revolution, and the yoimg were fired with patriot- 
ism. This custom lasted till 1845. The first wedding 
recorded in this western region was at Manlius (1794) 
on " training day " in front of the inn, the soldiers 
forming a hollow square within which the ceremony 
took place. 

Markets. — The rich fields gave big returns, but the 
crops could not be sold for lack of a market. The 
waterways were used at first to get grains and lumber 
and manufactured articles to Montreal, Albany, or Phil- 
adelphia. AVith good roads, however, overland trips 
to market were made. In 1804 " sl wagon-load of 
wheat was brought by four yoke of oxen from Bloom- 
field (Ontario county) to Albany, a distance of 230 
miles.'' The wheat was bought for 62^ cents a bushel 
and sold for $2. 15 J. Furs were still sent east. 

Industries. — As early as 1789 salt was obtained by 
boiling in kettles the water of the salt springs at Onon- 
daga Lake, long known to the Indians. Solar salt- 
works were erected later (1821). Wool was carded, 
spun, and woven on hand-looms by the women. Linen 
was treated in the same way. The first carding and 
fulling machine was set up in 1806 at Trenton, Oneida 
county. Tailors and shoemakers went from house to 
house " mending " and " making up " for the year. 

Religion. — The Jesuits planted the first church in 
western New York among the natives. With the whites 
came the Congregational, Methodist, Baptist, Presby- 
terian, Episcopal, Lutheran, and other churches. 
Famous " big meetings " were held in the winter, and 
'' camp-meetings " during the summer. In 1787 twenty- 
five followers of Jemima Wilkinson bought 14,000 acres 



114: SHORT mSTOBT OF TEE STATE OF NEW tOUK 

near Dresden and became the pioneers of Yates county. 
She was the Moses of this colony of Friends, and with 
her death the order disappeared.^ 

Schools and academies were soon established. The 
Eegents of the University of the state were created in 
1784, and organized to superintend education in 1787. 
The legislature set aside land for education in 1789 
and soon appropriated $50,000 to support common 
schools (1795). The Geneva union school was the 
first of its kind in the state. Log schoolhouses were 
soon found in every settlement. In 1807 the Buffalo 
public-school system was originated. An academy was 
started at Canandaigua (1795), and another at Cayuga 
(1801). Newspapers spread from east to west. The 
first one in central New York was The Otsego Herald 
at Cooperstown (1795).^ The Bath Gazette followed 
(1796), and within a few years every village had its 
newspaper. 

The Strong Cosmopolitan Civilization of the west 
rounded out the greatness of the Empire State. The 
prophecy made in 1791 was fulfilled: '^ The Germans, 
Dutch, and Yankees will soon dismiss all local, illiberal 
prejudices and distinctions; and in twenty or thirty 
years the shades of discordance will be hardly per- 
ceptible. The whole will amalgamate and all will be 
dignified by the general name of Americans." ^ 

^She was born in Rhode Island, at 20 claimed to be di^/inely 
cured of an illness, and then preached throughout New England, 
Pennsylvania, and New York, gaining many followers. She knew 
the Bible by heart. 

2 William L. Stone, Thurlow Weed, and James Fenimore Coo- 
per all " set type " there. Cooper's The Pioneer gives a descrip- 
tion of it. 

8 Watson, History of the Western Canals. 



POLITICAL PAB.TIE8 m NEW TORR 115 



Chapter XXV. — Political Parties in ^ew York 

Parties. — The Whigs and Tories of the Revolution 
gave way to the Federalists and Anti-federalists during 
the framing and adoption of the national constitution. 
After the constitution became the supreme law of the 
nation the Antifederalists began to call themselves 
Republicans, or later Democratic-Republicans, and 
finally Democrats, though for thirty years their op- 
ponents called them Anti-federalists. 

Election of 1792. — Under New York's first constitu- 
tion the governor was elected for three years. Clinton 
had been chosen five terms without opposition, but in 
1792 the Federalists supported John Jay for governor. 
Jay received more votes than Clinton, but the returns 
of three counties giving Jay large majorities were 
thrown out because of some technical defect, and this 
elected Clinton. The Federalists were very angry, and 
at a dinner in Xew York City prominent citizens drank 
to the toast, ^^ John Jay, governor by voice of the peo- 
ple." While Jay was minister to England in 1795 
his friends again nominated him for governor. Clinton 
prudently declined to be a candidate, and Robert Yates 
represented the Republicans. Jay was elected while 
abroad. The treaty he signed with England was most 
violently denounced, but to avert an outbreak the Feder- 
alists supported it and had it ratified in the United States 
Senate. 

Clinton Elected Vice-President. — At first presidential 
electors were chosen bv the state lesjislature instead of 
by the people. The change was made in 1828. Previous 



116 8H0BT HISTORY OF TSE STATE OF NEW YORK 

to 1804 each elector voted for two persons without 
naming either one for President or Vice-President. 
Then the person having the greatest number of votes 
was declared President. In I^ovember of 1792 ISTew 
York chose her first electors. They favored Washing- 
ton for President and Clinton for Vice-President. 
Clinton did not get the office then, but while serving his 
last term as governor (1801) was elected Vice-Presi- 
dent, in which office he died in 1812. 

Slavery. — Jay served two terms as governor and then 
declined a nomination for a third term. During his ad- 
ministration and mainly through his influence the legis- 
lature began to abolish negro slavery in the state (April, 
1799). The law provided that all children born of slave 
parents after July 4 should be free, though still subject 
to apprenticeship. This law, supplemented by an act 
in 1817, put an end to negro slavery in New York on 
July 4, 1827, just 200 years after its introduction. Pull 
suffrage was not given to the black man, however, for 
many years. 

Trouble with France. — Many Americans, particularly 
Republicans, sympathized with the French Revolution. 
When England and other nations made war on Prance 
they wished to aid the French. 

In New York City large numbers of the citizens ex- 
pressed their s^onpathy by devoting a day to feasting, 
bell-ringing, and cannonading (Jan., 1793). Taking 
advantage of this feeling, Minister Genet of the French 
Republic fitted out privateers at New York and else- 
where. Washington, in consequence, ordered a pri- 
vateer in New York harbor seized, and secured Genet's 
recall. 



POLITICAL PARTIES IN NEW TORE 117 

Burr's Defeat. — The fourth presidential election was a 
victory for the Republicans. Thomas Jefferson and 
Aaron Burr received the most votes, but each an equal 
number. The House of Representatives was then 
called upon to decide who should be President. Burr 
tried to win the votes of the Federalists, but Jefferson 
was chosen President (Feb. 17, 1801). The Repub- 
licans, as Burr well knew, had intended this. Burr 
now deserted his party and soon offered himself as a 
candidate for governor of N^ew York.^ Morgan Lewis, 
the chief justice, w^as elected by the Republicans. Burr 
attributed his defeat to Hamilton, picked a quarrel with 
him and challenged him to a duel. 

The Duel. — Hamilton had no desire to fight, but ac- 
cepted the challenge as a matter of honor. The two 
men met on a July morning in 1804 on the I^ew Jersey 
side of the Hudson. Burr aimed his pistol and fired. 
" Hamilton sprang upon his toes with a convulsive 
movement, reeled a little, involuntarily discharged his 
pistol in the air, and then fell headlong on his face.'' 
Taken across the river to his home, he lingered a few 
hours in terrible pain and died surrounded by his ago- 
nized family. " On the day of the funeral every church 
bell in the city was muffled and tolled '' from morn till 
night. In the procession were clergymen of all denomi- 
nations, lawyers, state and city civil officials, the militia, 
merchants, the faculty and students of Columbia Col- 
lege, and hosts of citizens. 



* He was nominated by his friends in a caucus of the legislature 
at Albany, Feb. 18, 1804. A large meeting in the city of New 
York ratified the action. 



118 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Burr's Future. — Burr meantime dared not appear in 
public. He was still Vice-President. After hiding sev- 
eral days, he stealthily made his way to Philadelphia. 
Meanwhile the coroner's jury at Xew York found him 
guilty of murder. He became an outcast, fled west, and 
was arrested and tried on the charge of high treason for 
attempting to form a new government in the Mississippi 
Valley. He escaped conviction, w^andered over Europe 
several years, most of the time in great poverty, re- 
turned to New York in 1812, and died on Staten Island 
twenty-four years later. This unfortunate duel prac- 
tically ended the barbarous practice in this country. 



III. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1775-1812 
I. Primary Sources 

New York Historical Society, " Collections." 

"Memoirs" of the Long Island Historical Society, Vols. 1, 2, 3, 
and 4. 

O'Oallaghan, " Documents relating to the Colonial History of the 
State of New York," Vols. 8 and 15. 

O'Callaghan, " Documentary History of the State of New York," 
Vol. 4. 

Force, " American Archives." 

Roberts, " New York in the Revolution." 

Stevens, "Colonial Records of the New York Chamber of Com- 
merce." 

Jones, " New York during the Revolution." 

"Laws of the State of New York" (1777-1801). 5 vols. 

Journals of the Provincial Congresses'. 

Journals of the State Legislature. 

Munsell, " The Annals of Albany," Vols. 1-10. 

Munsell,. "Collections on the History of Albany," Vols. 2, 3, 
and 4. 

United States Census for 1790, 1800, and 1810. 

iBonney, " Legacy of Historical Gleanings," Vol. I., pp. 1-194, 



BIBLIOORAPHY. V 75-1812 119 

"Journals of the Military Expedition of General Sullivan agai:isb 

the Six Nations in 1779." 
Lodge, " Works of Hamilton." 9 vols. 
Barber and Howe, " Historical Collections of the State of New 

York." 
Watson, " Annals and Occurrences of New York City and State." 
Bigelow, " Journal of a Tour to Niagara Falls in 1805." 
Hough, " The Northern Invasion of October, 1780." 
Stone, "Orderly Book of Sir John Johnson" (1776-1777). 
Hastings, " Public Papers of George Clinton." 4 vols. 
Morris, " Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris." 2 vols. 

2, Secondary Sources 

Macauley, " Natural, Statistical, and Civil History of the State of 

New York." 3 vols. (To 1800.) 
Dunlap, " History of New Netherland, Province of New York," 

etc.. Vol. 11. (To 1789.) 
Lossing, " Empire State," pp. 242-387. 
Hemstreet, "The Story of Manhattan." 
Randall, "History of the Common School System of New iTork 

State." 
Roberts, " New York." 

Brooks' "Story of New York," pp. 119-145. 

Flick, " Loyalism in New York during the American Revolution." 
Lamb, " History of the aty of New York," IL, pp. 1-587. 
Booth, " History of the City of New York," pp. 509-722. 
Roosevelt, "New York," pp. 119-145. 
Todd, " Story of the aty of New York." 
Wilson, " Memorial History of the City of New York," III., pp. 

1-219. 
Thompson, " History of Long Island." 
Stiles, " History of the City of Brooklyn." 
Hotchkin, " History of the Purchase and Settlement of Western 

New York." 
Turner, " Pioneer History of the Holland Purchase." 

" " Phelps and Gorham Purchase." 
Campbell, " Border Warfare of New York." 
Halsey, " The Old New York Frontier " (1614-1800). 
Simms, "Frontiersmen of New York." 
Dawson, "Westchester County." 
Johnston, "The Storming of Stony Point," 



120 SROBT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Jenkins, " Lives of the Governors of the State of New York." 

" " History of Political Parties in the State of New York." 

Bruce, "The Empire State in Three Centuries," I., 286-408; 
II., 1-52. 

Hammond, " History of the Political Parties in the State of New 
York." 

Ketchum, " History of Buffalo." 

Pellew, " John Jay." 

Eemvick, " Lives of John Jay and Alexander Hamilton." 

Jay, " Life of John Jay." 

Hamilton, " Life of Hamilton." 

Lodge, " Alexander Hamilton." 

Sumner, " Alexander Hamilton." 

Eoosevelt, " Gouverneur Morris." ; 

Sparks, " Life of Gouverneur Morris." 

Stone, " Life of Joseph Brant." 

" Life and Times of Red Jacket." 

Historical Magazines. 

Local Histories. 

3. Fiction 

Barr, " Bow of Orange Bibbon." 
Cooper, " The spy." 

" Leather Stocking Tales." 

"The Pioneers." 
Greenwood, " Forest Tl-agedy." 
Murdock, "Dutch Domines of the Catskills." 
Hoffman, "Grayslaer: a Romance of the Mohawk." 
Henton, " My Comrades." 
Roe, " Near to Nature's Heart." 
Mitchell, " Hugh Wynne." 
Churchhill, " Richard Carvel." 
Bunner, " Story of a New York House." 
Frederick, " In the Valley." 

CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY. 1765-1812 

1765. Stamp Act passed (March 22). 
" Song of Liberty organized. 

" Stamp Act Congress at New York City. 
" Hostile attitude of New York. 

1766. S^amp Act repealed. 
" Liberty-pole. 



GERONOLOOICAL SUMMARY 121 

1766. Parliament suspends power of Assembly. 

1767. Tax on tea, glass, paper, etc. 

" Non-importation agreement renewed. 

" Vermont decides to be part of New York. 

1768. Assembly asserts rights of colonists. 

1769. Moore succeeded by Golden. 

1770. MacDougal arrested. 
" Battle of Golden Hill. 

" Duties repealed except on tea. 
" Committee of One Hundred. 
" Dunmore elected Governor. 

1771. Tryon chosen Governor. 

1772. New York Hospital founded. 

1773. Preparation to receive tta. 
" Saratoga settled. 

1774. Arrival of tea. 

" Committee of Fifty-one. 

" Philadelphia Colonial Congress. 

" Declaration of Rights. 

1775. Tryon, the last English Governor, leaves. 

*' Delegates sent to second Continental Congress. 

" Temporary State government established. 

" Crown Point and Ticonderoga captured. 

" Governor Tryon removes to a British man-of-war. 

" Canadian expedition fails. 

1776. Declaration of Independence read to troops (July 9). 
" New York ratifies the Declaration of Independence. 
" Battle of Long Island (Aug. 26-29). 

" British capture New York (Sept. 15). 

" Nathan Hale executed. 

" Battle of White Plains. 

" Naval combat on Lake Champlain. 

" First city water-works. 

1777. First State constitution adopted. 
" State government organized. 

" Burgoyne's invasion and surrender. 
" Battle of Oriskany. 

1778. Indian and Tory raids. 

1779. Stony Point captured and recaptured. 
" Tory and Indian attacks. 

" Sullivan's expedition. 



122 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

1780. Arnold's treason and Andre's execution. 

1781. Washington's army leaves New York for Yorktown. 
" Articles of Confederation take effect, 

" Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorkstown. 

1782. New York transfers her western lands to the nation. 
" Sir Guy Carleton in command at New York. 

" American army winters at Newburg. 

1783. Washington refuses crown at Newburg, 
" Tories banished. 

" Treaty of peace signed. 

" New York City evacuated by the British. 

" Washington's farewell (Dec, 4). 

" Hudson settled. 

1784. State Legislature meets in New York City. 
" Congress removes to New York City. 

" Tories disfranchised. 

" Board of Regents formed. 

1785. Troy and Utica settled. 

1786. Syracuse begun. 

1787. Constitution of the United States formed. 
" Geneva and Binghampton started. 

" Act disfranchising Tories repealed. 

1788. New York adopts the Constitution. 
" Representatives to Congress elected. 
" Canandaigua and Elmira settled. 

1789. Washington inaugurated at New York City. 
" Clinton re-elected Governor. 

" Schuyler and King chosen Senators. 
" Ithaca settled. 

1790. Congress removes to Philadelphia. 
" Aaron Burr elected Senator. 

" Rochester and Buffalo founded. 
" Vermont controversy settled. 

1791. Assembly and senatorial districts reapportioned. 
" State lands ordered sold. 

1792. Western and Northern Inland Lake Navigation Companie^3 

incorporated. 
" Clinton re-elected. 

1793. Citizen Genet in New York. 

1795. Common schools granted $50,000 for five years, 
" Rufus King re-elected U. S. Senator. 



CURONOLOQICAL SUMMARY 123 

1795. Jay becomes Governor, 

1796. Fitch's steamboat tried at New York. 
" Canal at Little Falls completed. 

" John Lawrence elected U. S. Senator. 
" Ogdensburg settled. 

1797. Office of Controller created. 

" Philip Schuyler chosen U. S. Senator. 
" Albany made the state capital. 

1798. Company created to build canal from Lake Erie to Lake 

Ontario. 
" Jay re-elected Governor. 
" Clinton and Spencer elected U. S. Senators. 

1799. Partial abolition of slavery. 

1800. Watertown settled. 

" Morris and Armstrong chosen U. S. Senators. 

" Clinton elected U. S. Senator. 

1801. Common-school system organized. 
" Clinton elected Governor again. 

" Constitutional Convention meets. 

1802. Ambrose Spencer appointed Attorney-GeneraL 

1804. Lewis becomes Governor. 
" Burr kills Hamilton. 

" Clinton chosen Vice-President. 

1805. School fund begun. 

" "Free School Society of the City of New York" incor- 
porated. 
" Tompkins chosen Governor. 
" Lockport settled. 

1807. Fulton's "Clermont" on the Hudson. 
" The embargo laid. 

1808. Canal from Lake Erie to the Hudson favored. 
" Clinton re-elected Vice-President. 

1809. German made U. S. Senator. 

1810. Board of Commissioners to survey route for Erie Canal. 
" Tompkins re-chosen Governor. 

1811. Canal authorized. 

" Commissioners named to establish common schools. 

1812. Common-school system organized. 
" Bank of America chartered. 

" Vice-President Clinton dies. 
« War with England. 



II. PERIOD OF I^^TER^TAL IMPROVEMEI^TS 
Chapter XXVI. — Begin^xings of the Erie Canal 

Need of Canals. — The people of western Xew 
York found it very difficult to communicate with the 
eastern part of the state. The lakes and ri^^ers formed 
a fine system of inland waterways, but there were 
numerous shoals, windings, and tiresome carries that 
made a trip from one end of the state to the other a task 
of weeks. The rising western civilization demanded 
that these excellent natural water routes be connected 
by artificial means. Cadwallader Colden (1724), Gov- 
ernor George Moore (1768), Captain Joseph Carver 
(1776), Gouverneur Morris (1777), and Washington, 
who made a trip to w^estern Xew York with Clinton in 
1783, all had visions of a canal system connecting the 
western waters wdth the Atlantic. 

Canals before the Erie. — As early as 1772 a plan had 
been presented to the legislature for the improvement 
of the Mohawk for navigation. In 1784 Christopher 
Colles was given a monopoly of the navigation of the 
Mohawk for removing the obstructions. Elkanah Wat- 
son, who had studied the canals of England and Hol- 
land, discussed the subject with Washington (1785), 
traveled in western Xew York, and proposed to join the 
Great Lakes to the Hudson (1788). In 1791 Watson 

124 



BEOmNINGS OF THE ERIE CANAL 125 

sent a letter to tlie legislature on the subject. The 
same year that body appointed a committee on surveys 
and incorporated two companies, — one to open a lock 
passage from the Hudson to Lake Ontario and Seneca 
Lake, the other to construct a waterway from the Hud- 
son to Lake Champlain. The first company built three 
small canals and locks at a cost of $400,000, so that by 
1796 boats of sixteen tons were running from Sche- 
nectady to Seneca Falls and Lake Ontario. But the ex- 
penses were so great and the tolls so high that it was 
cheaper to convey freight and passengers by land. The 
Champlain enterprise failed. 

First Suggestions. — In 1800 Gouverneur Morris pre- 
dicted that ships would sail " from London through the 
Hudson's Eiver into Lake Erie." From 1800 to 1808 
the project w^as thoroughly discussed. It was denounced 
as too expensive and sneered at as visionary, yet was 
favored by many. Jesse Hawley, a prisoner for debt at 
Canandaigua, wrote a series of essays in the Genesee 
Messenger in its favor (Oct. 27, 1807). In 1808 Judge 
Benjamin AVright of Oneida county and Joshua For- 
man of Onondaga county induced the legislature to 
vote $600 for a survey of the Erie route. James 
Geddes made the survey and reported favorably in 
1809. The next year seven commissioners, wdth Gouver- 
neur Morris at their head, were appointed to examine the 
route. They approved of the Erie route and estimated 
the cost at $5,000,000. On April 8, 1811, two more 
commissioners were appointed, and the nine w^ere au- 
thorized to accept gifts and borrow money to build the 
canal. The War of 1812, how^ever, stopped further 
work for five years. 



126 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



Steamboats. — Before the canal was begun steamboats 
were going up and down the Hudson. Various experi- 




THE CLERMONT 

nients were made in Eu- 
rope and America to 
move boats by steam, but 
without complete success 
until 1807, when the side- 
wheel steamer '^ Cler- 
mont " went from ]^ew 
York to Albany and back, i 
Robert Fulton, the in- robert fulton 

ventor, wrote of the trip: '' The signal was given, the 
boat moved a short distance and then stopped. I went 
below, examined the machinery, and discovered that the 
cause was a slight mal-adjustment of the works. In a 
short period it was obviated. The boat was again put 
in motion. She continued to move on. We left the 
fair city of J^ew York; we passed through the romantic 



jflliimixiMJiiiiMiKiniiiiiiaiii 



BEGINNINGS OF THE ERIE CANAL 127 

and ever-varying scenery of the Highlands ; we descried 
the clustering homes of Albany; we reached its shores. 
It was then doubted if the trip could be done again, or, 
if done, it could be made of any great value." 

Fulton and Livingston's Monopoly. — Next year the 
'' Clermont," enlarged and with a new name, made 
regular trips to Albany. The '' Car of Neptune " 
(1807), the " Raritan " (1808), the '' Paragon " (1811), 
the " Camden," and the '' Fire-Fly " (1812) were soon 
put on the Hudson, and other vessels on Long Island 
Sound. In 1811 Robert R. Livingston and Fulton, who 
held a monopoly of steamboat navigation for the state, 
began to build boats for Lake Champlain, but they w^ere 
forced to give up their rights on that body of water. 
The monopoly died Avith Fulton in 1815. The 
^Thoenix," built by John Stevens and his son Robert, 
first sailed the ocean from New York to the Delaware 
River (1808). The " Savannah," built at New York, 
went to Savannah, then across the ocean to England, 
Sweden, and Russia (1819), and in twenty-five days re- 
turned to New York directly from St. Petersburg. 

Other Vessels. — Sail-ferries had been used for years at 
New York, on the Hudson, on Cayuga Lake (1791), at 
Buffalo (1804), and on the Genesee River (1805). 
Steam-ferries, called the "Jersey," ''York," and 
'' Nassau," connected New York with Long Island and 
with New Jersey (1814). The first steamboat on Lake 
Ontario was the " Ontario," built at Sacketts Harbor 
(1816), and the first on Lake Erie was the '' Walk-in-the- 
Water," built at Black Rock (1818). Soon a boat was 
sailing the Genesee River (1824). In 1823 a New York 
City paper noted the arrival of the first western boat in 



128 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tlie metropolis with a cargo of " 800 bushels of wheat, 
three tons of butter, and four barrels of beans '' from 
Hector, Tompkins county. 



Chapter XXYII. — Second War with Englats^d 

War with England checked the project for canals. 
The country was divided over the wisdom of such a war. 
There were several causes of ^^The Second War of Inde- 
pendence." Neither England nor the United States ful- 
filled the terms of the treatv of 1783, Great Britain 
also claimed the right to seize British sailors in Ameri- 
can service even though they had become citizens of th^ 
United States. In addition England passed heavy re- 
strictions on American commerce to prevent aid to 
France. These things angered many Americans, who 
clamored loudlv for Avar. The orovernor of New 
York, Daniel D. Tompkins, elected in 1807, was 
very active in favor of war, which was declared by the 
United States June 18^ 1812. He soon had 40,000 
soldiers readv to defend the state at New York, Buffalo, 

«-' 7 7 

Sacketts Harbor, and Plattsburg. Yarious fortifications 
were constructed, and within four months twenty-six 
privateers sailed out of New York harbor. 

The Frontiers of New York were at no time free from 
attack. General Dearborn was sent to command the 
northern army, and General Jacob Brown was stationed 
at Ogdensburg with a body of New York militia. Three 
British schooners Avere captured. In retaliation the 
Canadians burned two American schooners (June, 
1812), and the next month fi^^e British vessels attacked 



SECOND WAR WITH ENOLANI) 129 

tlie ship " Oneida '' near Sacketts Harbor, but were re- 
pulsed. Captain Isaac Chauncey was sent to cope with 
the British fleet on Lake Ontario. Ship-carpenters, sea- 
men, and guns w^ere hurriedly sent to Sacketts Harbor. 
Merchant-vessels w^ere fitted for the service, and in a 
short cruise Chauncey captured three merchant-vessels, 
destroyed an armed schooner, and disabled the enemy's 
largest w^ar-ship (^N'ov., 1812). 

Early Events of the War.' — The Canadians occupied 
St. Regis, a neutral Indian village on the border line, 
and enlisted about eighty Indians. An expedition from 
French Mills (Fort Covington) captured these Cana- 
dians (Oct. 22). In retaliation an American militia com- 
pany at French ]\Iills was taken. General Stephen 
Van Eensselaer was in command at Magara. After 
the disgraceful surrender of General Hull in Michigan 
(Aug., 1812) the Canadian General Brock moved east 
to oppose Van Rensselaer. While the latter was pre- 
paring an invasion of Canada, Lieutenant Elliott, at 
night in open boats, crossed the lower end of Lake Erie 
and captured two British armed vessels anchored under 
the guns of Fort Erie (Oct. 9). Van Rensselaer's attack 
on Queenstown (Oct. 13) was a failure owing to bad 
management and the refusal of many Kew York militia- 
men to fight beyond the limits of their state. A thou- 
sand Americans were captured. Van Rensselaer re- 
signed his command in disgust. 

Captare of Ogdensburg. — In a Canadian jail about 
twelve miles above Ogdensburg were a number of 
American soldiers and civilians, and British deserters. 
In February, 1813, an expedition under Major Forsyth 
started from Ogdensburg to rescue them, and was sue- 



130 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

cessf ul. The British retaliated by taking Ogdensburg, 
plundering it, and returning to Canada with the prison- 
ers (Feb. 22). 

Attack on York and Fall of Fort George.— To secure 
the mastery of Lake Ontario, Dearborn and Chauncey 
decided to attack York (Toronto). Chauncey's fleet 
with 1,700 soldiers left Sacketts Harbor, and in five 
davs effected a landing near York. General Pike led 
the assault. The enemy fled and blew up their maga- 
zine, killing or wounding about 200 of their assailants. 
The town capitulated (April 27). One fine sloop was 
captured by the Americans and another burned by the 
British. Pike was mortally wounded by the explosion. 
He was carried to the flag-ship, and there the hero died 
with the flag under his head. The fleet then proceeded 
against Fort George at the mouth of Niagara River. 
Colonel Winfield Scott landed the troops and defeated 
the British outside of the fort. The garrison fired their 
magazines and fled. Only one exploded, and Scott with 
his own hands hauled down the British flag (May 27). 
Naval Affairs. — Meanwhile the Canadian General 
Prevost with 1,000 men sailed from Kingston to take 
Sacketts Harbor while undefended. He was met by 
about 400 regulars and some volunteers under Brown 
and driven back with considerable loss to his ships (Miiy 
29). During the summer of 1813 Chauncey met the 
British fleet in three engagements, but none was de- 
cisive. Dearborn was removed from his command and 
General James Wilkinson became his successor. The 
victories on Lake Erie won by Captain Oliver H. Perry, 
with a newly formed fleet, and on land by General 
William Henry Harrison, were welcome news to the 



SECOND WAR WITH ENGLAND 



131 



'Americans. Both sides employed the red warriors in 
this struggle. 




CAPTAIN PERRY AT THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 

Hampton and Wilkinson.— General Wade Hampton 
commanded Lake Champlain under Wilkinson. They 
were expected to take Montreal. Hampton, contrary 
to orders, marched into Canada, did some indecisive 
fighting, and then retired to winter quarters in ]^ew 
York. Wilkinson sailed down the St. Lawrence in 
^N'ovember, 1813, as far as St. Regis, where he learned 
that Hampton was unwilling to join him. The expedi- 
tion was therefore abandoned and his troops also 
entered quarters for the winter. About the same time 
General McClure abandoned Fort George with its gar- 
rison of sixty men, burned the fort and also the neigh- 
boring village of l^ewark (Dec. 10). The British saved 
most of the fort, however, and soon crossed the Niag- 
ara, captured Fort Magara and burned Youngstown, 
Lewiston, Manchester, and the Tuscarora Indian vil- 



132 SHOBT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

lage (Dec. 19). Eleven days later Black Kock and 
Buffalo shared the same fate. 

Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. — In March of 1814 Wil- 
kinson advanced from Plattsburg into Canada, was re- 
pulsed at La Calle (March 30), returned to Plattsburg, 
and soon was superseded bj General Izard. In May the 
British captured Oswego. General Brown and General 
Scott were sent to Niagara to invade Canada. Fort Erie 
was captured by the Americans, and Scott won the 
bloody battle of Chippewa (July 5). Twenty days later 
the British were again met at Lundy's Lane. The 
Americans were outnumbered two to one. Brown was 
chief in command. Pointing to a strong British bat- 
tery, he asked Colonel Miller, " Can you take it ? " 
" I'll try, sir," was the reply. With 300 men Miller 
charged up the hill and, amid grapeshot and musketry, 
gained the battery. Quickly the British with fixed 
bayonets advanced to regain it. Again they were re- 
pulsed, and once more they advanced. Hand-to-hand 
fighting followed. A second and a third time the 
British were repulsed. At midnight the Americans 
held the battery, and the most obstinate battle of the 
war was ended. Over 1,500 on both sides were killed 
or wounded, among the latter being Brown, Scott, and 
the British general, Drummond. 

Battle of Plattsburg. — The victors returned to Fort 
Erie. There Drummond with 5,000 men attacked 
them, but was repulsed and driven across the Chippewa. 
Meanwhile a British fleet and army were invading ^N'ew 
York by way of Lake Champlain to destroy the fleet of 
Captain MacDonough and to occupy Plattsburg. In 
the bay off Plattsburg the naval battle took place. Mac- 



CANALS, AND THE CONSTITUTION OF 1821 133 

Donoiigh won a complete victory on water, and General 
Macomb successfully resisted the attempt to capture the 
city. This ended the fighting in and about ^ew York. 

News of Peace. — On February 11, 1815, an hour 
after sunset, a sloop arrived at ]^ew York to announce 
the glad tidings of peace signed at Ghent, December 21, 
1811. In half an hour Broadway was a living sea of 
rejoicing people. "Some one came with a torch: the 
bright idea passed into a thousand brains. In a few 
minutes thousands and tens of thousands of persons 
were marching about Avith candles, lamps, and torches, 
making the jubilant street appear like a gay and gor- 
geous procession." The war had been fought and was 
now ended, but the objects of the war were not men- 
tioned in the treaty of peace. Xew York had played 
an honorable part in the conflict. The brunt of the 
war had fallen upon this state and was met with heroic 
self-sacrifice of men and money. Yet the splendid 
growth of ISTew York was not greatly retarded. 



Chapter XXYIII. — Cats^als, and ihe Constitution 

OF 1821 

Erie Canal Begun. — The war proved to the people the 
value of the Erie Canal. At its close the undertaking- 
was renewed. At a meeting of citizens in Xew 
York City in 1816 a memorial written to the legisla- 
ture by De Witt Clinton was heartily adopted and 
ordered sent all over the state. The people from 
Albany to Buffalo were wild with enthusiasm. Meet- 
ings were held in every village. The. legislature ap- 



134: SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

pointed a new set of canal commissioners (April). De 
Witt Clinton was made president of the board. Ex- 
ploring and snrveving began at once. Contracts were 
let, and on Jnlj 4, 1817, Clinton dug the first sliovel of 
eartli for the Erie Canal at Rome. A large crowd of 
citizens witnessed the beginning of ^' the greatest piece 
of engineering up to that time attempted in the United 
States.'' 

De Witt Clinton was a nephew of George Clinton. 
He was a Republican in politics. He had been an as- 
semblyman, state senator. United States senator, mayor 
of the city of Xew York, lieutenant-governor, and a 
candidate for President in 1812 against Madison. Clin- 
ton's opposition to Madison angered the Republicans, 
Avho refused to re-elect him to the office of lieutenant- 
governor (1813), and to that of mayor of the city of 
]N'ew York (1815). His efforts for schools, for the pros- 
perity of the people, and for the Erie Canal made him 
popular with the masses. When Governor Tompkins 
vacated the governor's chair for that of Vice-President, 
Clinton was elected governor by a vote almost unani- 
mous. On July 1, 1817, he began his administration. 

Clinton's Canal Policy had been adopted by the legis- 
lature. It provided for a canal to connect Lake Cham- 
plain Avith the Hudson, and for a greater one across the 
state. The people along the southern part of the state 
could not see how this canal svstem would benefit them, 
so they opposed Clinton. Others declared that the 
project would bankrupt the state. The most bitter 
hostility came from his old political associates, Martin 
Van Buren, Samuel Young, Peter R. Livingston, and 
Robert Skinner, who denounced him as an allv of the 



CANALS, AND THE CONSTITUTION OF 1821 135 

Federalists. Tammany Hall also opposed liim, and as 
some of its members wore the tail of a deer in their hats, 
Clinton's opponents came to be known as ^^ Bncktails " 
His friends called themselves Clintonians. 

Clinton's Administration. — So determined was the 
opposition to Clinton that the popular Tompkins was 
persuaded to run again for governor in 1819. Clinton 
won by less than 1,500 votes. The ^' Bucktails " re- 
turned seventy members to the assembly, however, and 
increased their majority in the senate. Even the coun- 
cil of appointment was formed (Xov. 8, 1820) to curb 
the governor's power. The executive and the legisla- 
ture wrangled over the former's charge that national 
officers interfered in the state elections. In January, 
1821, the governor sent his famous " Green Bag Mes- 
sage " to the assembly to support his accusations. A 
joint committee reported that the charges were not 
true, and that ended the contest. The people were still 
wdth Clinton. 

The Presidential Election of 1820 was a mere form. 
The Republicans nominated Monroe and Tompkins. 
The Federalists had no candidate. Sanford was suc- 
ceeded by Van Buren as senator (1821), and the lat- 
ter became the leader of the '^ Bucktails " of ^ew York. 
Taylor of ^New York was chosen speaker of the House 
of Bepresentatives. Federalists, Clintonians, and 
" Bucktails " all professed to support the administration 
of Monroe. Meanwhile the state was engaged in re- 
vising its fimdamental law. 

The Constitution of 1777 served as the public law of 
the state for forty-four years. Popular dissatisfaction 
arose because of the property qualification of voters, the 



136 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

jangle between the governor and the council of appoint- 
ment over the nomination of state officers, and the 
power of judges and great courts of record. The news- 
papers were full of protests, and demands for constitu- 
tional changes. Tammany Hall, as leader of the cry for 
reform, urged a convention (Aug., 1820). The legisla- 
ture voted in favor of one, but the council of revision 
vetoed it. The latter body, and especially Chancellor 
Kent, was severely censured for having thwarted the 
will of the people in order to keep the state in the hands 
of lawyers and landlords. Finally the question of hold- 
ing a convention for revising the constitution was sub- 
mitted to the people and favored by a vote of 109,346 
to 31,901 (March, 1821). The farmers, the Demo- 
crats, and the ]^ew-Englanders from central and west- 
ern ^ew York desired the convention, while the people 
from the older parts of the state — the Dutch, the 
lawyers, the professional men, and the large lando^vners 
— opposed it. 

Prominent Members. — The delegates (HO) met at Al- 
bany August 28, and finished their work E'ovember 10, 
1821. Among those present at this remarkable conven- 
tion were Chancellor James Kent, Martin Van Buren, a 
future President, Daniel D. Tompkins, ex-governor and 
now Vice-President, Kufus King, United States sen- 
ator, Stephen Van Eensselaer of patroon descent, Peter 
A. Jay, son of John Jay, General James Tallmadge, and 
Peter K. Livingston. Tompkins, ^' the favorite farmer's 
son," was made president by the Democrats, who were 
in the majority. 

Changes in the Constitution. — It was evident from 
the outset that a new and more democratic constitution 



CANALS, AND THE CONSTITUTION OF 1S21 137 

would be framed. The council of revision, whose mem- 
bers, excei^t the governor, held office during good be- 
havior, was abolisJied because it was bevond the reach 
of the people, and the veto power which it exercised was 
placed in the hands of the governor, who was directly 
responsible to the people. The council of appointment, 
from whom 8,287 military and 6,663 civil officers held 
their commissions in 1821, and which had been a source 
of trouble and corruption for years, had not a single de- 
fender and was dropped. Officers were to be appointed 
by the legislature or by the governor, or else elected 
directly by the people. The governor's term was short- 
ened to two years. 

Franchise. — A great advance was made toward uni- 
versal male franchise. The Charter of Liberties (1691) 
had given every freeholder who had ^^ forty shillings 
per annum in freehold '' and every " freeman in any 
corporation " the right to vote for assemblymen. After 
1697 three months' residence and a freehold worth £40 
were the qualifications, but Catholics and Quakers were 
excluded. In 1777 actual residents owning freeholds 
valued at £100 could vote for governor, lieutenant-gov- 
ernor, and senators, while all males residing six months 
in a county before election and owning a £20 freehold 
or paying a yearly rent of forty shillings could vote for 
assemblymen.-^ 

In 1821 the ballot w^as given to every man who was 
a resident taxpayer, or a soldier, or a fireman, excepting 
criminals and colored men not owning land worth $250. 

^ These values were changed April 9, 1811, to $250, $50, and $5 
respectively. 



138 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Thus all poor whites, who paid no tax, and the masses 
of the blacks were still refused the right to vote. 

Courts. — There was less change in the judiciary. 
The court of errors was retained as the court of last ap- 
peal. The supreme court was reduced to a chief justice 
and two associates, aided by eight circuit courts. The 
chancellor and an associate judged equity cases. The 
minor courts were unchanged. The governor appointed 
the judges. The courts were brought nearer to the 
people, and the judges made more dependent upon 
them. The law of the state was more clearly defined, 
also, and provision was made for future amendments.-^ 

The Constitution of 1821, which was to be the public 
law for another quarter of a century, was ratified by a 
vote of 74,732 to 41,402 (Feb., 1822). Fundamental 
principles of government had been changed not by 
bloody revolution, but in peace, by law, to meet the 
needs of a more democratic epoch. At that time the 
action was thought to be radical, to-day it seems very 
conservative. Popular government had made a big ad- 
vance. Civil revolution had been affected '' bv the 
votes of those who voluntarily surrendered political 
power into the hands of their fellow citizens." 



^ Up to 1846 ten amendments were submitted to the people, 
mostly to extend the franchise and to make offices elective. 



PARTY AND PERSONAL POLITICS 139 



Chapter XXIX. — Party and Personal Politics 

Hostility to Clinton. — The last legislature under the 
first constitution was overwhelmingly Democratic. 
Governor Clinton's ^" speech '' to the two houses was 
denounced as a " remnant of royalty '' (1822), and 
henceforth written " messages " were used. So hostile 
was the feeling towards Clinton that in the first election 
under the new constitution (Xov., 1822) his friends in- 
duced him to withdraw from the contest. Joseph C. 
Yates of Schenectady, who had been mayor of his native 
city, state senator, and now served as judge of the su- 
preme court, was nominated for governor and received 
all but 3,000 votes, which were given to Solomon South- 
wick, a '^ stump candidate.'' 

The Democrats were in complete control of the state 
government. They had not a single opponent in the 
senate and only a few in the assembly. The state of- 
fices from that of city mayor to secretary of state were 
at their disposal. With no oj)position and no state 
issues, personal likes and hates divided the party into 
factions that scrambled for place and power. The 
Democratic politicians w^ere triumphant and their power 
centered in the famous " Albany Regency," composed 
chiefly of Martin Van Buren, William L. Marcy, Gov- 
ernor Yates, Robert Skinner, Samuel L. Talcott, Ben- 
jamin F. Butler, Edwin Croswell, and Benjamin 
Knower. They planned to control the state patronage 
and to become a deciding factor in national politics. 
Por almost twenty-five years they dominated the Demo- 
cratic partj. 



140 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Choice of Presidential Electors. — In the coining na- 
tional election the '' Kegency " favored AVilliam H. 
Crawford for President, while the Adams, Clay, Calhoun, 
and Jackson men formed a party of opposition com- 
posed of two main branches — the Clintonians, and the 
Democrats hostile to the '^ Regency,'' who called them- 
selves the ^' People's Party/' At this time presidential 
electors were chosen by the legislature. It was feared 
that the ^^ Regency " would secure the election of Craw- 
ford electors if this method were not changed. The 
selection of electors by popular vote was made the issue 
of the coming state election (JN^ov., 1823), since the 
legislature would have to decide the question. The 
^^ Regency " candidates won a majority in the legisla- 
ture. After a bitter contest the assembly passed a 
bill favoring the choice of electors by the people, but 
the senate rejected it. 

Result of the Defeat of the Measure. — Tlie measure 
was popular. Its defeat caused great indignation. The 
names of those who defeated it were printed in the news- 
papers in bold-faced type and posted in public places. 
The ^^ Regency's " enemies held Governor Yates respon- 
sible for the failure of the bill and resolved to defeat 
him for re-election. The '^ Regency" used him as a 
scapegoat and nominated Colonel Young to succeed 
him, because Young favored the proposed electoral law. 
The " People's Party " had favored him for governor, 
but protested against his alliance w^ith the ^^ Regency." 
They called a convention of the friends of the electoral 
law to meet at Utica September 21, 1824, and conse- 
quently were accused of working for the re-election of 
Clinton. 



PAMTT AKD PERSONAL POLITICS 141 

Clinton Removed. — To weaken Clinton's candidacy the 
" Regency " rushed a resolution through the legislature 
to remove him from the office of canal commissioner, a 
position he had held faithfully and honorably for some 
years without pay. The act was hasty and ill-advised, 
for it led to the* election of the verv man it was intended 
to defeat. The people's sense of justice was shocked. 
The citizens of Albany rushed to the capitol and de- 
nounced the action as a " wanton violation of public 
trust . . . unparalleled in the political history of 
this countrv," and sent a committee of sixteen to ex- 
press their " warmest thanks '' to Clinton. This course 
was copied in New York City and all over the state. 
Clinton's shrewdly worded replies to the numerous ad- 
dresses swelled the torrent of popular indignation. His 
friends at once insisted on his candidacy for governor. 

Yates's Mistake. — Governor Yates sought to save 
himself by calling an extra session of the legislature 
(Aug. 2, 1824), and by urging the passage of the elec- 
toral bill. All parties were surprised at his course, and 
his own indignant. The legislature censured him for 
misusing his power, resolved that an electoral law ought 
to be enacted, and then adjourned. Meanwhile all 
eyes were on the Utica convention soon to meet (Sept. 
21, 1824). Clinton wanted the nomination, and most 
of his friends were urging it. The " People's Party," 
however, opposed it. Of the 122 delegates in this first 
popular convention, about 30 were of the "People's 
Party " and the rest were Clintonians and Federalists. 
Clinton was nominated by a large majority, and then, to 
appease the " People's Party," General Tallmadge was 
named for lieutenant-governor. 



142 8E0RT HlSrOMT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Regency Defeated. — Clinton was elected by almost 
17,000 majority. All parties were surprised. The 
" Eegency " was defeated and Democratic ascendency 
checked. The legislature was opposed to the '' Re- 
gency '' in the ratio of three to one. This Avas a 
significant victory for the people, and likewise a 
vindication of Clinton. In the choice of presidential 
electors the Adams and Clay men agreed upon a 
union ticket, but owing to a breach of faith on the 
part of the Adams men Adams received from ^ew York 
thirty-four electoral votes, Crawford four, and Clay 
none. Had the four votes gone to Clay, he might have 
been elected President. Though Clinton had favored 
Jackson, yet President Adams offered him the ministry 
to England, which he refused. 

Clinton's Program, as given in his message, was 
radical. He recommended choosing electors by a gen- 
eral ticket ; an expansion of white suffrage ; the popular 
election of justices of the peace; a state board on in- 
ternal improvements; and a state road from the Hudson 
to Lake Erie through the southern counties. The last 
project soon resulted in mass-meetings all along the 
proposed route, and culminated in a convention at Al- 
bany (Feb. 25, 1825) to urge the legislature to act. An 
act authorizing the building of the road was passed, and 
three commissioners were named to make the survey. 



COMPLETION OF THE ERIE CANAL 143 



Chaptek XXX. — Completion of the Erie Canal 

Clinton's Mania. — Governor Clinton, the '^ Father of 
the Erie Canal/' had a mania for internal improvements 
by canals. He heroically overcame popular preju- 
dice, personal antagonism, sectional indifference and 
jealousy, and the opposition of a strong political 
party to the waterway across the state. His zeal carried 
him to Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania to examine 
the canals. It was a most fitting tribute to Clinton to 
be recalled by the people to the governor's chair in time 
to conduct the ceremonies attending the completion of 
the great project launched eight years before. 

Opposition. — The most persistent opposition came 
from New York City. Many prominent men, like Judge 
Pendleton and Elisha Williams, were first hostile, then 
friendly. The latter said to the Xew York representa- 
tives : " If the canal is to be a shower of gold, it will 
fall upon N^ew York; if a river of gold, it will flow into 
her lap." Daniel D. Tompkins and his adherents op- 
posed the project, but were forced by popular approval 
to sanction it. It was said that Clinton's ^' big ditch " 
would be ^^ filled with the tears of posterity." The 
project became a political issue favored by the west 
and opposed by the south and the southeast. Jefferson 
said to Joshua Eorman in 1809: " You talk of making 
a canal of 350 miles through the wilderness! It is 
little short of madness to think of it at this dav." 

Canal Completed. — Por a decade before 1817 Clinton, 
with others, zealously strove for this gigantic enterprise, 
and for eight years after that date, as governor and 



144 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

president of the canal board, lie prosecuted the construc- 
tion of the canal. In two years the Erie Canal was 
completed from Rome to Utica (Oct. 22, 1819), and the 
daj was celebrated in festive style. Cannon boomed, 
bells rang, and the people took a holiday all along the 
route, while the first boat, with the governor, other 
prominent men, many ladies, and a military band on 
board, was drawn by one horse from Rome to Utica. 
In November, 1819, twenty-four boats passed through 
the Champlain canal, which had been authorized in 1816 
and was completed in 1823. By 1820 boats were run- 
ning from Utica to the Seneca River. In 1823 boats 
navigated 280 miles of the canal. On October 26, 1825, 
the canal was open from Buffalo to Albany, 363 miles, 
having cost $7,143,789. 

Opening of the Canal. — A new industrial and com- 
mercial era had begun for the Empire State, which was 
celebrated from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic by fit- 
ting ceremonies. At Buffalo the day was ushered in 
with the booming of artillery. The procession started 
for the canal. Eirst came the band and soldiers; then 
the canal-diggers, stone-cutters, masons, and ship-build- 
ers; then the citizens in general; then the military 
officers, city officials, canal engineers and commissioners, 
followed by the orator of the day, Sheldon Smith ; and 
last of all Governor Clinton, the patron saint of the 
canal. The " Seneca Chief," drawn by four fine gray 
horses, and accompanied by " The Young Lion of the 
"West " and " Noah's Ark," loaded with all kinds of 
produce from the w^estern states, started at 10 a.m. for 
its first voyage to the sea. On board were Governor 
Clinton, Joshua Eorman, Colonel Stone, Chancellor Liv- 



COMPLETION OF THE ERIE CANAL 145 

ingston, Thiirlow Weed, General Stephen Van Rens- 
selaer, the committee from Xew York, and other prom- 
inent citizens. A thirty-two-pound cannon began the 
" state salute,'^ which was carried by cannon placed at 
intervals to Albany and back to Buffalo in three hours 
and twenty minutes, while the glad news of the marriage 
of the Atlantic with the Great Lakes was carried from 
Albany on to !New York in one hour and a half — a 
unique telegraph. " 

Celebration. — The journey to ^ew York w^as one 
round of addresses, fetes, balls, toasts, salutes, and re- 
joicing. It must have been the proudest day of Clin- 
ton's life. Before daybreak on November 4, cannon 
and bells announced the arrival of the governor's party 
at the metropolis. They were welcomed and congratu- 
lated by a committee of the city, and then conducted by 
hundreds of vessels out to Sandy Hook, where the gov- 
ernor united the sea with the lakes by pouring a keg of 
Lake Erie water into the ocean. This was followed by 
a great land parade, fireworks in the evening, and fes- 
tivities for several days. '' Thus passed a day so glo- 
rious to the state and city, and so deeply interesting to 
countless thousands who were permitted to behold and 
mingle in its exhibitions.'' 

The Traffic on the Canal was light at first, but soon 
boats loaded with grain, lumber, furs, provisions, and 
salt were going seaward and carrying back emigrants, 
machinery, clothing, and household goods. The prod- 
ucts of the states bordering on the Great Lakes, as well 
as of western !N^ew York, were carried to eastern 
markets. The traffic past Utica both ways in 1825 and 
1834 shows that flour had increased from 237,000 to 



146 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

1,157,000 barrels; provisions from 19,000 to 40,000 
barrels; salt from 43,000 to 176,000 bushels; wheat 
from 547,000 to 1,197,000 bushels; furs from 150 to 
200 tons; household goods from 25,000 to 75,000 tons; 
and lumber from 8,667,000 to 38,291,000 feet. The 
values of produce multiplied fourfold and fivefold when 
carried to Albany and IN'ew York.^ The tolls increased 
from $2,200 in 1821 to $1,395,000 in 1835. In 1837 
$47,740,000 worth of property was transported on the 
canal system of the state. 

Rates and Tonnage.— Before the canal was built it 
cost about $100 to take a ton of freight from Albany to 
Buffalo. In 1824, with the canal partly in use, it cost 
$22. By 1835 the expense had been reduced to $7, in 
1860 to $3.50, and in 1880 to $1.70. AVhen all toll was 
removed (1882) the cost fell to about $1.63. To-day it 
costs about 3.7 mills a bushel to carry wheat from Buf- 
falo to Xew York, 3.5 mills for corn, and 2.4 mills for 
oats. For some years, however, the canal trade has been 
decreasing because of the speed of railroads and low 
freight rates. Since 1866 the two trunk lines of rail- 
roads have decreased their rates over 75 per cent, and 
consequently have increased their tonnage about 400 
per cent. The canals carry about 5,000,000 tons of 
freight in a year now, while the New York Central and 
Erie railroads carry about 50,000,000 tons. This shows 
that the canal trade has gone to the railroads. . 

Lateral Canals. — Canal-building became a veritable 
craze. The '' great canal bill '' of April 20, 1825, au- 



- In 1818 wheat sold in western New York for 25 cents a bushel. 
In Albany it brought $2.25 and still more in New York City. 



COMPLETION OF THE ERIE CANAL 147 

thorized the surveying of twenty-one canal routes, ag- 
gregating 1,700 miles. Every part of the state was de- 
manding a waterway, and 900 miles were surveyed. By 
1833 seven canals, covering 632 miles, were built at a 
cost of $11,500,000. Besides the Erie and Champlain 
canals there were the Oswego (1826-1828), 38 miles; 
the Cayuga and Seneca (1827-1829), 23 miles; the 
Chemung (1831-1832), 39 miles; the Crooked Lake 
(1831-1833), 8 miles; and the Chenango (1833-1836), 
97 miles. In 1836 the Black River, 35 miles, and the 
Genesee Vallev, 107 miles, were authorized at a cost of 
$3,000,000. The Oneida Lake canal, begun by a private 
company in 1832, was purchased by the state in 1841 
for $50,000 and improved. Thus by 1850 the state had 
built a complete sj^stem of branch canals in accordance 
with Clinton's plan at a cost of about $28,000,000. 
After 1850 railroad competition drove into disuse all the 
lateral canals except the Black River, Oswego, and 
Cayuga and Seneca, which are still used. 

Improvements. — ^o sooner was the Erie Canal com- 
pleted than the enormous traffic demanded improve- 
ments. As early as 1825 the canal commissioners urged 
the enlargement of the canal. Governor Marcy in 
1834-5 called the legislature's attention to the need. 
The first act to enlarge it w^as passed May 6, 1834, and 
soon $4,000,000 was appropriated for the enterprise 
(1838). The Avork began in 1836 and continued from 
time to time. Bv 1844 over $13,000,000 had been thus 
spent, and in 1850 $10,000,000 was still needed to com- 
plete the enlargements. By 1863 about $32,000,000 
was so used. The canal had been shortened twelve 
miles, the number of locks reduced, and the canal bed 



148 BHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

lowered. At that time the state owned 88 6 J miles of 
canals and received $5,000,000 in annual tolls. Up to 
1881 the canals had cost $126,000,000 and had made a 
net profit of $87,000,000. The actual cost to the peo- 
ple of $39,000,000 has been repaid to them in trade 
and commerce over and over again. 



Chapter XXXI. — The Cat^al Develops the State 

Effect of the Canal on Western New York.— The Erie 
Canal system gave to western Xew York new life and 
spirit, new industries, and a remarkable growth in popu- 
lation and wealth. Xew towns sprang into existence 
along the main route and its branches, Avhile cities already 
planted, like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Rome, and 
Utica, doubled and quadrupled in a few years. The pop- 
ulation west of Seneca Lake, which w^as 23,000 in 1800, 
had grown to 575,000 in 1835. while that of the state, 
589,000 in 1800, had become 2,175,000, making Xew 
York the first state in this respect, — a place held to the 
present time. 

The Increase in Wealth and Industry was still greater 
than that in population. Saw-mills, flour-mills, iron- 
foundries, and salt-works employed men and money. 
Forests were cut down and soon replaced by fields of 
grain. Lumbering became a paying industry. Stores, 
taverns, and blacksmith shops did a thriving business. 
Carpenters, stone-masons, and workmen were needed to 
build factories, churches, schools, houses, and barns. 
Ten years after the canal was completed the acres of im- 
proved land in the state had increased from 7,256,000 



THE CAIfAL DEVELOPS TEE STATE l-i9 

to 9,655,000, about two-third of the state. Keal and 
personal property had gone up to $220,000,000. The 
imports of New York City had advanced from $36,- 
000,000 to $73,000,000, while so great was the home 
consumption that the exports had fallen off $800,000, 
though they still amounted to $13,700,000. 

Travel. — ^^ The mud dried up, and the muskrats and 
the ague and the fever and the bears left the country." 
The price of land rose, and the crops brought four times 
as much as before. Farmers paid for their farms, got 
deeds, and put up good frame and brick buildings. Be- 
fore 1825 "a buggy was no more known or used than a 
balloon.'' The canal was used for passenger as well as 
freight traffic. Packet-boats with comfortable quarters, 
drawn by three or four horses driven tandem, made six 
miles an hour. One could go from E'ew York to Buf- 
falo in ten days. Before it usually took six weeks. 
To-day the distance can be covered in eight hours. 
Many a family in western Xew York still owns a 
^^ packet-trunk " used for business and pleasure travel 
on the canal. The fare from Buffalo to Albany was $5 
without board. The '^ Bed Bird Line " made the trip 
on the canal from Buffalo to Kochester in one day. By 
1834 daily lines were in operation, but the passenger 
traffic soon went to the railroads. Old persons still 
speak of the comfortable packet, the sociable times on 
it, the good meals served, the library, and the games. 

Progress Compared. — A comparison of the industries 
before the War of 1812 with their condition in 1835 
show^s what wonderful progress was made. The first 
cotton-mill was established in 1807 at Whitestown, and 
ten years later the first power-loom was used. 



150 SHORT mSTORT OF THE STATE OF N'EW TORE 

Before the war 33,000 liand-looms made $5,000,- 
000 worth of cloth, and 427 fulling-mills and 413 card- 
ing-machines did a $680,000 business. By 1835 there 
were 111 cotton-mills and 235 woolen-mills, making 
over $6,000,000 worth of cloth; 965 fulling-mills and 
1,060 carding-machines, doing a business amounting to 
$5,500,000; and 10,000,000 yards of cotton, linen, and 
woolen cloth were still made by hand-looms. The 
value of tannery products had increased from $1,300,- 
000 to $6,000,000, and brewery products from $350,- 
000 to $1,300,000. Distilleries were fewer, but their 
outjuit had doubled; paper mills had tripled in number 
and in goods made; glass-works had doubled in number; 
and there were 300 iron-factories with a production of 
$4,000,000, in place of TO. Grist-mills ground grain 
worth $20,000,000, and saw-mills worked up lumber 
worth $70,000,000. In short, the total value of in- 
dustrial products increased from $16,000,000 to $222,- 
000,000. 

Agriculture. — There was great advance in stock-raising 
and agriculture. Horses increased in number from 
300,000 to 525,000; sheep from 1,280,000 to 4,000,- 
000; and cattle from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000. Three- 
fourths of the people were farmers (1824). A society 
to promote arts, factories, and agriculture was early 
formed in ^New York City (1764), and revived after 
the Kevolution (1791). By 1801 local societies came 
into existence. In 1819 a board of agriculture was 
established for two years with an annual appropriation 
of $10,000. This was followed by the Agricultural 
Convention at Albany (1832), and the organization of 
the ^Q^Y York State Agricultural Society with a grant 



THE CANAL DEVELOPS THE STATE 151 

of $8,000 for each of five years (1841). That body 
held the first state fair at Syracuse (1841). In 1880 an 
agricidtnral experhnent station was created. 

Population. — In 1800 there were only a few widely 
scattered log shanties in western ^ew York. In 1811 
a traveler said that 'Hhe houses were so thick along the 
road " from Buffalo to Batavia that he ^^ was seldom out 
of sight of one.'' From the east and south and from 
over the sea came the thousands who developed the west, 
by 1835, into a powerful political and industrial factor 
in the state. The 30 counties of 1800 had become 
55 by 1835. The 452 towns, 300 villages, and 5 cities 
of 1811 grew twenty years later to 786 towns, 1,458 
villages, and 8 cities. Tonawanda changed from a log 
tavern (1825) to a village of 1,000 (1835). Lockport 
was a wilderness before the canal Avas built, but had a 
population of 6,000 in 1835. Batavia, organized in 
1802 and incorporated in 1821 with a population of 
2,600, doubled in a decade (1830). In 1835 Canan- 
daigua was a village of 5,200, Auburn of 5,400, Water- 
loo of 2,200, Oswego of 2,200, Geneva of 3,000, Ithaca 
of 3,500, Schenectady of 6,000, and Utica of 8,000. 

Rochester and Syracuse. — The site of Rochester was 
purchased (1808) by Colonel Rochester of Virginia, a 
friend of Washington and Jefferson. In 1817 the 
village was incorporated. " When I saw your place in 
1810,'' said Clinton, " who would have thought that in 
1826 it would be. the scene of such a change?" In 
1835 it was the fifth city in size in the state and had a 
population of 14,500. There the first daily paper west 
of Albanv was established (1826). By 1838 Rochester 
had the largest flour-manufactory in the world and an 



152 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

enormous canal trade. The editor of the I^ew York 
Commercial Advertiser in 1820 found Syracuse to be 
" a few scattered and indifferent wooden houses . . . 
erected amid the stumps." ^^ Do you call this a vil- 
lage ? " he asked. '^ It would make an owl weep to fly 
over it." '^ ^ever mind," replied a loyal citizen, " you 
will live to see it a city yet." The population in 1835 
was 4,100, and in 1840 the same visitor exclaimed, 
^^ The change seems like an enchantment." 

Buffalo and Other Cities. — In 1795 Buffalo was a 
^^ small collection of four or five houses " called Lake 
Erie. When burned by the British (1813) it had about 
200 inhabitants. '^ A reward of $5 was voted for every 
wolf killed in town " (1816). The canal made it the 
chief city of the Great Lakes. It had 7,000 people in 
1828, and when incorporated as a city 15,000 (1832). 
Troy grew from a vilage of 1,800 at the end of the 
century to a city of 11,500, while Albany, then the 
greatest beef-packing center in America, had a popula- 
tion of 24,200 (1834). 

New York City's Advancement. — The canal benefited 
I^ew York City as well as western Xew York. Her 
commerce with the west increased almost $44,000,000 
in the seven years after the opening of the canal. The 
population jumped from 96,000 (1811) to over 207,000 
(1834). She still dominated the state, and her primacy 
on the continent was rapidly being recognized. In 1825 
there were in her port 700 American merchant-vessels, 
1,400 foreign vessels, and 50 steamboats. More than 
320,000 people came to and left the city by water- 
annually. Her population was moving northward by 
one wave of stone and brick after another. Six-story 



THE CANAL DEVELOPS THE STATE 153 

and eigHt-story business blocks were replacing those 
of three and four stories. Gas drove out whale-oil for 
lighting purposes (1825). Huge stages gave way to the 
street-car (1831), the first in the world. The mayor, 
at first appointed at Albany (1777-1822), then chosen 
by the aldermen (1822-34), was now elected by the 
people. Cornelius W. Lawrence was the first mayor 
chosen by ballot.^ The city had fourteen public markets 
(1835). The valuation of the city had increased from 
$26,000,000 (1805) to $186,000,000 (1835). The total 
imports were $77,000,000, and exports $22,196,000. 
More than $16,000,000 was paid in duties each year. 

Life in the Metropolis. — ^ew York in 1835 was far 
diiferent from the present metropolis. Only a few 
of the rich could burn coal; the rest burned wood. 
Hard coal was unknown for fuel, and the match 
was not thought of. Merchants lived in their own 
stores. The cobblestone streets were swept every 
Saturday by each householder. There was but one 
bath-tub in the city. Bull-baiting, slavery, and lot- 
teries were common. Hogs and cows roamed the streets 
freely. Milk was distributed by women from tin cans 
hung from their shoulders. Tobacco and brandy were 
commonly used. There were but two theaters in the 
city. Buffalo was four days distant, and Philadelphia 
thirteen hours. Postboys on horseback brought mail 
from various directions.^ The people were happy, 
sociable, well fed, and prosperous. 



^ 35,147 votes were cast that year. After 1840, mayors were 
elected in all the cities of the state. 

^ A daily mail was received from Washington. 



154: SHORT BISTORT OF TEE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Social Conditions. — In 1834 there were in the city 
573 lawyers, 181 brokers, 237 butchers, 1,600 cartmen, 
230 druggists, 141 clothiers, 2,700 grocers and tavern- 
keepers, 559 hotel-keepers, 3,750 merchants, 124 clergy- 
men, 1,220 office-holders, 553 physicians, 163 professors 
and artists, 285 teachers, 319 shipmasters, and 16,038 
mechanics. The city cared for 19,000 paupers at a cost 
of $90,000. There were two asvlums for the insane, 
one for the deaf and dumb, one for orphans, a poor- 
house, a hospital, a refuge, a house of industry, an eye 
and ear infirmary, and three dispensaries. A debtor's 
prison still disgraced the city. In 1817 the debtors 
imprisoned numbered nearly 2,000, of whom half owed 
debts imder $50. Imprisonment for debt was not abol- 
ished until April 26, 1831. 



Chaptee XXXII. — Peogeess in Education 

Spiritual and Intellectual Progress. — The growth of 
the state in material welfare was supplemented by 
social, intellectual, and spiritual development. Churches 
multiplied and sects increased. Moral ideas against in- 
temperance, slavery, lotteries, gambling, and betting 
were growing. A higher plane of thought and living was 
advocated. The colleges increased from two (1811) to 
seven (1834).^ The forty academies had become eighty, 
and the private schools numbered about twenty. There 
w^ere sixty-four schools for girls in the state. 

^Columbia (1754), Union (1795), Hamilton (1812), Geneva 
(1825), University of the City of New York (1831). 



PROGRESS IN EDUCATION 155 

Education after the Revolution. — After the Kevolii- 
tion Governor George Clinton led the movement for an 
educational system worthy of the young commonwealth. 
The first step was to reorganize King's College as 
Columbia College and place it under a state board of 
regents (1784). The whole educational system of the 
state was soon put under the supervision of this body 
(1787). The regents early recommended a public- 
school system, but that was not to come for some years. 
In 1789 the legislature reserved from public lands 500 
acres in each township to support the gospel and schools. 
Two years later the first public common school was au- 
thorized for Clermont, Columbia county, to be sup- 
ported from the poor fund. The corner-stone of the 
common schools was laid when, in 1795, $50,000 a 
year was appropriated for five years to establish schools 
" to complete a good education." Each town receiving 
help had to raise an equal amount by taxation. 

Steps toward Free Schools.— When public funds 
stopped (1800), the schools languished, though efforts 
were made to raise money by lottery. Governor Lewis 
in 1805 induced the legislature to set aside the proceeds 
of the sale of 500,000 acres of land for the support of 
schools. When the interest amounted to $50,000 it was 
to be distributed vearlv. This was the basis of the 
present common-school fund. In 1826 the annual in- 
come was $100,000. The number of schools and pupils 
grew rapidly. In 1798 there were 1,352 schools in 
which 60,000 children were taught. There were 2,755 
districts and 140,106 scholars in 1815, and 9,063 dis- 
tricts and 500,000 pupils in 1830. The successful 
struggle for free schools was due largely to patriotic 



156 SHORT RISTOEY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

governors like George Clinton, Jay, Lewis, Tompkins, 
Marcy, and De Witt Clinton, and to noble superin- 
tendents like Hawley, Yates, Flagg, Dix, and Spencer.^ 

The " Public-school Society " of Xew York City (1805 
—1853) was formed to establish a free school for the 
poor. A free school for girls had been opened in 1802, 
and various religious societies supported ^' charity 
schools." De Witt Clinton was president of the society, 
which opened its first public school in 1806. Primary 
departments were introduced about 1831, and soon a 
normal school was opened (1843). When the society 
and the city board of education were consolidated 
(1853), over $3,500,000 had been spent for the educa- 
tion of 600,000 children. 

Newspapers. — The 364 post-offices in the state (1811) 
had increased in number to 1,453 (1834). This meant 
that the people wrote more letters and read more 
papers and books. The oldest newspaper in I^ew York 
as a state is The Commercial Advertiser (1793). Among 
its editors were !N^oah Webster, William L. Stone, and 
Thurlow Weed. Philip Freneau started The Time Pieci 
(1797), and The Evening Post and The American Citi- 
zen came next (1801). The Federalists established The 
Post, and the Clintonians ran The Citizen. Burr's 
friends published The Morning Chronicle (1802), in 
which appeared the earliest productions of Washington 
Irving, the first great American writer. The Albany 
Argus (1813) was the mouthpiece of the Albany Re- 
gency, and The National Advocate represented Tam- 

^ For thirty years (1821-1851) the office of superintendent of 
schools was merged into that of secretary of state. 



PROGRESS m EDUCATION 157 

many Hall. The leading papers of a later date were 
The Plouglihoy and The Journal of Commerce (1821), 
The New York Patriot (1823), The New York Courier 
and Enquirer (1827), The Albany Evening Journal, an 
Antimasonic paper edited by Tlmrlow Weed, and The 
New York Express (1836). I^early every village had 
its weekly paper. Xo newspapers were printed in 
Franklin and Pntnam counties. Papers sold for six 
cents when The Sun appeared as the first penny paper 
in America (1833). The Morning Post was published 
by Horace Greeley the same year, and was followed in 
two years by The Neiv York Herald of James Gordon 
Bennett. A few magazines had appeared. In 1835 
there were 260 newspapers in the state, of which 25 
were dailies, 15 being in the metropolis alone. 

Institutions of Culture came vnth the general prog- 
ress. The N^ew York Historical Society was founded 
(1804), and in 1809 celebrated Hudson's discovery. 
The American Academy of Fine Arts (1808), the Ly- 
ceum of Natural History (1818), and the ^N'ational 
Academy of Design (1826) were established. The New 
York Society Library, started in 1754, owned 40,000 
volumes (1835). The State Library was organized at 
the capital (1818), and soon libraries were started all 
over the state. The American Lyceum was begun 
(1831) and extensively copied. A geological survey 
was ordered (1836), and the reports brought great 

credit to the state. 

Religious Organizations began in this period. The 
American Bible Society (1816), the American Board of 
Foreign Missions, the American Home Missionary So- 
ciety (1826), the American Sunday-school Union So- 



158 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

ciety, the American Tract Society (1825), the American 
Seaman's Friend Society (1826), the Marine Bible So- 
ciety, the Xew York Bible Society, the New York City 
Tract Society, the N^ew York Sunday-school Union, and 
the American Society for Meliorating the Condition of 
the Jews were opening a splendid field of work. The 
nmnber of clergymen in the state increased from 761 
(1819) to 1,920 (1835). The public conscience, aroused 
to the evils of the day, organized the Colonization So- 
ciety of the City of New York (1831), the American 
Antislavery Society (1833), the American Temperance 
Union, the New York State Temperance Society, and 
the Female Moral Reform Society. 

Charity and Crime. — People were beginning to feel it 
a duty to care for the poor and the unfortunate. Pris- 
ons were built with thought for the health, education, 
and morality of the inmates — Auburn in 1816 and Sing 
Sing in 1825. The severe criminal laws of England 
had been early modified (1798). The first asylum for 
the insane was built in New York City. Then followed 
an institution for the deaf and dumb (1818), and an- 
other for the blind, and an eye and ear infirmary (1820). 
Hospitals were coming into general use. A medical 
college was established in the metropolis (1807), and 
another at Fairfield, and a state law required the 2,650 
physicians to hold a license to practice. Governor 
Clinton had an act passed to provide for county poor- 
houses (1824), and soon 43 counties had them. In 
1834 the state paid $330,000 for the care of unfortu- 
nates, criminals, and paupers. 

The Social Conditions were gradually changing. Aris- 
tocracy was fast losing its hold. More people were be- 



THE ALBANY REGENCY SUPREME 159 

coming wealthy and hence traveled more, dressed bet- 
ter, and had finer homes. Music and art were cultivated 
by the well-to-do as well as the rich. In 1812 $10,000 
made a man ^' independent '' and $20,000 was a '^ for- 
tune.'' But by 1835 the standard had risen fourfold. 
Merchants, lawyers, and business men were laying the 
bases for enormous fortunes. John Jacob Astor was 
turning Alaskan furs into gold, Peter Cooper was mak- 
ing a fortune out of glue, and Alexander T. Stewart was 
becoming a merchant prince. 



Chapter XXXIII. — The Albany Regency Supreme 

Politics in 1825-6. — While the state was rejoicing 
over the new life which had come from canals, mills, and 
the increased value of farm products, the " Albany Re- 
gency " was planning to win the coming state election. 
All Democrats were urged to unite against Clinton's 
Federal tendencies and practices, and victory crowned 
the efforts of the '^ Bucktail " opposition (Xov., 1825). 
The new legislature gave the people the right to elect 
justices of peace, and the voters ratified the act 
(1826). At the same time all restrictions to suffrage, 
save six months' residence, Avere removed. At Utica 
in the same year Clinton was unanimously renominated 
for governor (Sept. 21, 1826). The Democrats nom- 
inated Judge Rochester (Oct. 4), an Adams man, con- 
trary to the wish of the Regency. Clinton was elected 
by a majority of 3,650 votes, but the Democrats chose 
the lieutenant-governor and controlled the legislature. 



160 SHORT BISTORT Olf" THE STATE OF NEW YOUR 

Van Buren was promptly re-elected senator, and lie 
carried the state for Jackson (1827) and had him nom- 
inated for President the next year (1828). Clinton, 
however, also favored Jackson. 

A Protective Tariff. — The manufacturers, especially 
of woolens, Avere demanding protection against foreign 
goods. To select delegates to a general tariff conven- 
tion at Harrisburg, Pa. (July 30, 1827), a meeting was 
held at Albany (July 17). The Democratic legislature 
passed resolutions in favor of a protective tariff on. wool, 
hemp, flax, iron, woolens, and other products (Jan., 
1828). Later a meeting was held at Buffalo, where 
" spirited resolutions were adopted in favor of the pro- 
tection of American, manufacturers " (^ov., 1830). 
These were the beginnings of that great system of a 
protective tariff which has been such a prominent part 
of our national policy. 

Death of Clinton. — The unexpected death of Gover- 
nor Clinton (Feb. 11, 1828) fell like a pall on the state. 
He was the greatest personal force of his age, the most 
prominent figure in I^ew York politics, an honest, con- 
structive statesman, who spent his life making ^ew 
York the greatest state in the Union. He was a friend of 
popular education and of universal suffrage, and a warm 
patron of the sciences and arts. He was the creative 
genius of the system of canals. Too selfish and obsti- 
nate for a good party leader, factious and not adroit, 
committed to the degrading spoils system, bold, zealous, 
blunt, and cold, yet the people loved him and trusted his 
honor, high ideals, and integrity. He died a poor man, 
and the state had to provide for his family. His death 
removed the last obstacle to Van Buren's leadership. 



THE ALBAN7 REGENCY SUPREME 161 

The Three-sided State Election of 1828 was fought 
with the presidential nomination as an issue. The Adams 
party, composed of Clintonians and some Democrats, 
nominated Smith Thompson and Francis Granger for 
governor and lieutenant-governor (July 22). The Anti- 
masons favored Adams because Jackson was a mason, 
and named Solomon Southwick and John Crary (Aug.). 
The Jackson party, comprising most of the Democrats 
and some Clintonians, selected Van Buren and Enos T. 
Throop (Sept.). The Jackson ticket won, but would have 
lost had the Adams men not divided. The presidential 
electors, chosen for the first time by the people, stood 18 
for Jackson and 16 for Adams. The 34 met and chose 
two more Jackson men to make the 36 electors to 
which the state was entitled. "Old Hickory,'' the hero of 
New Orleans, was elected President by a large majority. 
Van Buren was appointed Secretary of State and w^as 
succeeded in the governor's chair by Throop, a bitter 
partisan, who was re-elected over the Antimasonic can- 
didate in 1830. 

Famous Visitors. — New York has always attracted 
prominent visitors. Many foreigners came to help us 
during the Revolution, and after it was won others came 
to see the infant Eepublic. Many exiles of the French 
Eevolution (1789-1799) came to America. The Vi- 
comte de Chateaubriand went up the Hudson to Albany 
and thence to Niagara Falls (1790). The celebrated 
Talleyrand passed through w^estern New York (1791-5), 
as also did the Due de Liancourt (1795). Louis Philippe, 
king of France from 1830 to 1848, with his two 
younger brothers, went from Buffalo to Geneva and 
then down the Chemung in an '^ ark " (1797-8). At 



162 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Eocliester he met tlie Englishman, Lord Ash burton. 
Alexander Wilson, a famous ornithologist, visited cen- 
tral I^ew York (1804). In 1815 Joseph Bonaparte, the 
ex-king of Spain, bought 150,000 acres in Lewis county. 
He built a fine summer house on his estate (1828), but 
soon sold it to a ]N^ew York merchant (1835). 

Third Visit of Lafayette. — In 1824 the "noblest 
Eoman of them all,'' Lafayette, came to New York on 
his third visit. His purse and sword had helped to win 
the young nation's independence. The lame old man, 
one of our " adopted fathers " and '^ the hero of two 
continents," met a royal welcome when he landed at 
IJ^ew York as the guest of the nation. Upon his return 
from Boston he was received by miles of shouting people 
and was dined, toasted, and given receptions, parties, and 
balls galore. He visited the free schools, and the school- 
girls sang : 

" Welcome, Hero, to the West, 

To the land thy sword hath blest! 
To the country of the free, 
Welcome, Friend of Liberty!" 

On his trip up the Hudson to Albany and Troy the 
people everywhere gave him joyous welcome. 

Journey through New York.— During his southwest- 
ern trip he shed tears at the tomb of Washington, tar- 
ried at Jefferson's home, Monticello, looked upon the 
Mississippi, and reached Westfield, ISTew York, June 2, 
1825. His journey through Fredonia, Buffalo, Lockport, 
Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Saratoga, and Albany was 
one continuous triumphal march. Xo king was ever 
greeted more heartily. Thousands gathered at every 
stopping-place to see the old warrior, bent and crippled, 



BIBLIOORAPHT. 1812-1835 163 

but still fired with the love of liberty. Young girls 
strewed flowers in his path. Orators eulogized his noble 
life, newspapers were full of his praises, poets lauded 
him, and sermons were preached in his honor. Congress 
gave him a large tract of land and fitted up the ship 
Brandy wine to carry him home. In 1834 he died, and 
Seward pronounced an eloquent oration in the ^ew 
York senate on his career. To-day a bronze statue of 
him, given by the French in New York City, stands 
between Washington and Lincoln on Union Square. 

Later Visitors. — Napoleon III., emperor of France, 
Dickens the novelist, Marryat the English traveler, 
and the Prince de Joinville visited New York in one 
year (1839). Later came Lady Franklin, Garibaldi the 
Italian patriot, the Prince of Wales, now Edward VII. 
of England, Prince Arthur, the Grand Duke Alexis of 
Eussia, the Emperor and Empress of Brazil, and many 
eminent scientists, scholars, orators, artists, musicians, 
travelers, and business men from all parts of the world. 
Not a few came as exiles for political or religious 
reasons, and became excellent citizens of their adopted 
country. 



IV. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1812-1835 

I. Primary Sources 

Watson, " History of the . . . Western Canals in the State of New 

York." 
Watson, " Annals and Occurrences of New York City and State." 
" Military Papers of Daniel D. Tompkins" (1807-1817). 
Spofford, "Gazetteer of the State of New York" (1824). 
Bonney, " Legacy of Historical Gleanings," I., pp. 194-532. 



164 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Barber and Howe, " Historical Collections of the State of New 

York." 
Williams, "New York Annual Register" (1830-1840). 
State Assembly and Senate Documents. 
Newspapers. 

United States Census (1820, 1830). 

Dwight, "Travels in New England and New York" (1821-22). 
Gordon, "Gazetteer of the State of New York." 
Munsell, " Collections on the History of Albany," Vols. II. and III- 

" The Annals of Albany." 10 vols. 
" Constitutional Convention of 1821." 
Staats, " De Witt Clinton." 
Hosack, " Memoir of De Witt Clinton." 



2. Secondary Sources 

Bruce, " The Empire State in Tliree Centuries," II., pp. 52-128. 

Lossing, " Empire State," pp. 387-487. 

Randall, "History of New York State." 

Roberts, " New York," II., pp. 524-578. 

Brooks, " Story of New York," pp. 145-219. 

Wilson, " Memorial History of the City of New York," III., pp. 

219-364. 
Jenkins, " Lives of the Governors of the State of New York." 
Lamb, " History of the City of New York," II., pp. 587-727. 
Booth, " History of the City of New York," pp. 700-742. 
Roosevelt, " New York," pp. 145-190. 
Todd, " Story of the City of New York." 
Thompson, " History of Long Island." 
Stiles, " History of the City of Brooklyn," IL, pp. 1-249. 
Hotchkins, " History of . . . Western New York." 
Turner, " Pioneer History of the Holland Purchase." 
Hammond, " History of Political Parties in the State of New 

York." 3 vols. 
Ketchum, " History of Buffalo." 2 vols. 
Renwick, " Life of De Witt Clinton." 
Baker, " Works of William H. Seward," IV., p. 206. 
Campbell, " Life and Writings of De Witt Clinton." 
Historical Magazines. 
Local Histories. 



CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 165 



CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 

1812. Common-school system organized. 
" Bank of America chartered. 

" West Point Military Academy established. 
" Battle of Sacketts Harbor. 
" Battle of Queenstown Heights. 
" Perry's victory on Lake Erie. 

1813. British capture Ogdensbiirg. 
" Americans take York. 

" Plattsburg burned. 

" Newark and Queenstown destroyed. 

" Buffalo and Black Rock burned. 

" Gideon Hawley Superintendent of Schools. 

1814. Appropriations to colleges. 
" British repulsed at Oswego. 
" Battle of Chippewa. 

** Battle of Lundy's Lane. 

*' British invade northern New York. 

" Battle of Lake Champlain. 

" Hostilities closed in New York. 

1815. News of peace treaty received. 

" Canal meetings in New York and Albany. 

1816. $20,000 voted for Erie Canal. 

" Tompkins elected Vice-President. 

1817. De Witt Clinton chosen Governor. 

" Slavery abolished after July 4, 1827. 

" Work on canal begun. 

" Bucktail and Clintonian parties formed. 

1819. Canal opened from Rome to Utica. 

1820. Controversy between Clinton and Legislature. 

1821. Constitutional Convention called. 

1822. New York adopts her second Constitution. 
" Yates elected Governor. 

" Lotteries abolished. 

1823. Judicial system reorganized. 
" Champlain canal completed. 

1824. Clinton removed from Canal Board. 
" Clinton le-elected Governor. 

" Visit of Lafayette. 

1825. Survey of State Road ordered. 



166 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

1825. Erie Canal completed. 

1826. Constitution amended. 
" Morgan abducted. 

1827. Antimasonie party organized. 

1828. De Witt Clinton dies. 
" Van Buren Governor. 

" Delaware and Hudson Canal completed. 

1829. Banking law passed. 

" Presidential electors chosen by general ticket. 

" Van Buren made Secretary of State. 

*' Throop chosen Governor. 

** Chenango and Chemung canal bills. 

" John Jay dies. 

1831. First railroad opened between Albany and Schenectady. 

1832. Marcy made Governor. 

" Van Buren elected Vice-President. 

1833. Chemung Canal completed. 

1834. Whig party formed. 

1835. State banks loan state $5,000,000". 

" Provision for the education of teachers. 

" School libraries purchased. 

" Croton Aqueduct. 

" Great fire in New York City. 



ni. KAILEOADS ANB PKOSPEEITY 

Chapter XXXIY. — Social Movements 

The Antimasons originated in 1826. William Mor- 
gan, a thriftless Virginia printer and jack of all trades 
living at Batavia, ]^ew York, was Avriting a book to 
reveal the secrets of the masonic order of which he was 
a member. Threats and inducements were alike disre- 
garded, so the masons of Batavia conspired with their 
brethren in western N^ew York to abdnct him. He was 
arrested first for theft, then for debt, and put in jail at 
Canandaigua (Sept. 12). He was taken from the jail, 
driven, bound and gagged, to the magazine at Fort 
E'iagara, and then suddenly disappeared (Sept. 29). 
The greatest excitement prevailed, and committees of 
safety arose. The masons were charged with his mur- 
der. A bodv found in I^ias^ara River was identified as 
his, but the masons charged Thurlow Weed with having 
mutilated it to make it resemble Morgan. 

Agitation in the State.— Mass-meetings were held to 
suppress the secret order and to hunt down the murder- 
ers. Books and pamphlets appeared denouncing the 
deed. The masons simply ignored the charge. Washing- 
ton, Jefferson, and Jackson had belonged to the order, 
and Clinton was head of the lodge in ^ew York. The 
members covered the state like a spider's web, influenc- 

167 



168 SHORT HIST0B7 OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

ing politics, business, and religion. The courts could not 
be trusted. At last the legislature appointed David 
Mosely to investigate the case (1828), and he was suc- 
ceeded by John C. Spencer (1829). Several persons 
were tried, but no one was convicted. 

The Antimasons resolved to fight through the ballot- 
box. They opposed Clinton's re-election (1826) and ex- 
cluded masons from office in western 'New York (1827). 
In 1828 they held a state convention at Utica, appointed 
independent candidates, and polled 33,345 votes. They 
favored Adams for President, sent representatives to 
the legislature, used newspapers to wage their contest, 
and in 1830 polled 120,361 votes. In 1832 national 
candidates were nominated. Then the excitement died 
out, and questions of finance and tariff soon dissolved 
the party. 

Significance of the Movement.— Thus closed a move- 
ment in which popular frenzy reached its highest pitch. 
It had turned father against son, and brother against 
brother, and had broken up families. It had closed 
schools and divided churches, influenced business, shut 
up thousands of lodges, and decided elections. Masons 
forswore their order by the hundred.^ Handbills, 
pamphlets, placards, and newspapers were used to arouse 
the people to united effort. No doubt the agitation 
quickened the social conscience of the people and struck 
a blow in favor of democracy. 

Origin of Mormonism. — Xew York is celebrated for 
groups of peculiar people. The " Universal Friends '' 
settlement has been already mentioned (p. 114). An- 
other w-as that of the Mormons, now and since 1847 in 



The " Declaration of Independence " at Le Key, July 4, 1828. 



SOCIAL MOVEMENTS 169 

Utah. Joseph Smith was the ^'Mormon prophet." Born 
in Vermont (1805), he removed, at the age of ten, with 
his parents to Pahnjra, New York. The story goes 
like this: When fifteen he began to see visions. At 
eighteen the angel Moroni told him that God had 
chosen him for a special work. At twenty-two the angel 
placed in his hands a golden volume, eight inches long, 
seven wide, and six thick, consisting of thin plates 
fastened by three rings, on which was written an ac- 
count of the early inhabitants of America. 

Later Movements. — To read the unknown language a 
pair of magical spectacles was given him. He read 
the plates, translated them into English, the plates mys- 
teriously disappearing as they were transcribed. In 
1830 the manuscript was printed at Palmyra as ^' The 
Book of Mormon.'' Three persons besides Smith 
swore to having seen the plates and having handled 
them, but later they quarreled with him and declared 
the whole matter a fraud. Eight others took oath that 
Smith had shown them the plates. He gained a few 
followers in consequence, and organized a small con- 
gregation at Fayette, Seneca county (April 6, 1830), 
but the hostility of his neighbors forced him to lead his 
followers, first to Ohio (1831), and thence, driven out 
by citizens, to Missouri, and from there to Illinois, 
where he was killed. Brigham Young was at that time 
chosen leader and conducted the organization, then 
numbering 16,000, to Utah. 

The Shakers were early introduced into the state. 
The order originated in England in the eighteenth cen- 
tury. Anna Lee, a blacksmith's daughter, joined the 
order (1758)^ and in 1770, while ill^ received a revela- 



170 SHORT HI8T0B7 OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tion from God proclaiming celibacy as the true rule of 
life. Soon she left for ^orth America with seven fol- 
lowers (1774) and located at Watervliet, K Y. (1776). 
She converted over 2,000 people to her belief before she 
died (1784). They believed " Mother Ann " was Christ 
in his second appearance. They lived in common and 
owned property as one family of brothers and sisters. 
In 1826 there were about 5,000 Shakers in the United 
States. The great " spiritual shaking " took place in 
Watervliet ten years later. They spread to Columbia 
and Livingston counties in this state, and are found in 
seven other states. The order has decreased, however, 
and numbers now scarcely 1,000 members. 

The Millerites. — William Miller, the farmer-preacher, 
lived at Low Hampton, Washington county (1815). He 
had been a captain in the War of 1812. In 1833 he be- 
gan to announce the speedy second coming of Christ for 
1843, when he declared that the world would be de- 
stroyed. In a few years his converts in America and 
England numbered many thousands. They were de- 
nounced as Millerites, but called themselves Second 
Adventists. The date was changed several times, but 
the sect soon dwindled awav. The leader died in 1849. 

The Oneida Community. — John H. l^oyes, the advo- 
cate of an odd religious creed, established the Oneida 
Community in 1847. He was a graduate of Dartmouth 
College and had studied law and theology. The mem- 
bers of this order lived and labored in common. For 
years they lived in peace and prosperity, but at last 
public sentiment, led by the clergy of the state, forced 
the community to abandon objectionable social features 
(1879). The property was divided and a joint-stock 



STATE AND NATIONAL POLITICS 171 

company organized (1881). Under these changes the 
Community still continues. 

Spiritualism. — Hydesville, near Rochester, was the 
birthplace of modern spiritualism. A German by the 
name of Fox and his two daughters iirst heard the rap- 
pings from the walls and furniture (1848). Soon the 
girls learned the meaning of the sounds and were able 
to converse with departed spirits, so they professed and 
many believed. Their revelations created much interest, 
and soon ^^ circles" were formed all over the country 
and in Europe (1852). One of the sisters confessed the 
fraud, but repudiated her confession before she died. 
Judge Edmonds, a !New York lawyer of fame, wrote a 
book on it. There are about 50,000 spiritualists in the 
United States to-day. 



Chapter XXXV. — State and Xational Politics 

Van Buren's Leadership.^ — The election of 1832 had 
both local and national importance. Van Buren was 
expected to succeed Jackson as President, but the lat- 
ter accepted the nomination for a second term with Van 
Buren as Vice-President. At this time Van Buren was 
the idol and leader of the Xew York Democrats. The 
Xational Eepublicans met at Buffalo (Xov., 1830) to 
urge the election of Clay to the presidency, and a month 
later in Xew York City publicly nominated him. A 
Clay party in favor of protection for home industries 
was organized and spread throughout the state, and a 
state convention at Albany sanctioned Clay's nomina- 
tion (June 3, 1831). 



172 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Election of 1832. — In the state election the Anti- 
masons at Utica nominated Granger and Stevens to 
head the ticket (Nov. 21, 1832), and the :N'ational Ke- 
publicans indorsed them. The Democrats sneered at this 
^^ coalition '' and named Marcy and Tracy at Herkimer 
to lead them (Sept. 19). The state issues were Van 
Buren's ascendency, state and national banks, and the 
canals. The national issues were protection, finance, 
and internal improvements. In a hotly contested elec- 
tion Marcy defeated Granger by less than 10,000 votes 
for governor, while Jackson and Van Buren were vic- 
torious in the nation. It was a great triumph for I^ew 
York Democrats. Their leader was now Vice-President 
and a candidate for President, and they were in com- 
plete control of the state government. Marcy was re- 
elected in 1834 and 1836 by the shrewd management of 
the Albany Regency. 

The " Coalition."— In 1832 the " coalition," or anti- 
Jacksonian party, was made up of masons and Anti- 
masons, old Clintonians and Clayites, whose double 
bond of union was hatred of Jackson and the Regency, 
and love for Clay and his policy. Jackson resolved to 
remove the government's deposits from the Bank of the 
United States (Sept., 1833), and great financial distress 
followed. This, greatly exaggerated, was used as the 
basis of a new party. In New York the National Re- 
publicans assumed the name of Whigs in 1834 and were 
immediately joined by the Antimasons, but their nomi- 
nee for governor, William H. Seward, was defeated by 
Marcy with 13,000 majority. 

Equal-Rights Men and the " Loco-Focos." — The Equal- 
Rights Party, growing out of the Working Men's Party 



STATE AND NATIONAL POLITICS 



173 



(1830) and composed mostly of Democrats, opposed all 
banks and monopolies. When Tammany Hall met (1835) 
to confirm the regular candidates for city offices, the 
Equal-Eights men attended to defeat the action. In a 
scrimmage the lights were put out, but the anti-monop- 
olists quickly lighted the room with candles and loco 
f oco matches and claimed that they had won the contest. 
The regular candidates won at the polls, however, and 
these revolting Democrats were dubbed " Loco-Focos," 
a name soon applied in derision to all Democrats. In 
1836 they set forth their principles in a rabid " Declara- 
tion of Eights," nominated a state ticket, and polled over 
3,000 votes. The New York Evening Post supported 
them. After 1837 they reunited with the Democrats. 
In this election Marcy and Tracy again defeated the 
Whig candidates, Buel and Barstow, by 30,000 votes. 

Van Buren Elected President. — Van Buren was Jack- 
son's heir to the White House, and was nominated with- 
out much opposition. The 
Whigs named their first 
national candidates, Gen- 
eral Harrison and Francis 
Granger. Their only hope 
was to throw the election 
into the House of Eepre- 
sentatives. Van Buren 
was elected in a disorderly 
campaign, and for the first 
time Kew York had a son 
in the presidential chair. 
March 4, 1837, Jackson 
and Van Buren rode to the capitol in a " beautiful 




MARTIN VAN BUREN 



174: SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TOMK 

phaeton " made from tlie timber of the Constitution, 
an old frigate, donated bj the 'New York Democrats. 
The new President had to face at once the panic of 
1837, caused by Jackson's financial policy. 

Banks. — The first money used in New York was 
Indian wampum, which was replaced by paper bills of 
credit and coin. The Revolution showed the need of 
good money and sound banks. The Bank of Korth 
America (1781) was approved by the legislature, but 
a charter was refused the Bank of Xew York, which 
began business without it (1784). Hamilton's Bank of 
New York was incorporated (1791), and others soon 
followed. Charters were granted as political favors, and 
by 1814 there were 26 banks with a capital of $19,000,- 
000, and by 1829 the number was 40. They helped the 
government and promoted the prosperity of the people. 
When the panic came in 1837 New York had 98 banks. 
The ^N'ew York Bank for Savings (1816) was the first 
of its kind in the state, and in 1852 there were 42 simi- 
lar institutions. They measure the thrift of the work- 
ing people. In 1829 three commissioners were ap- 
pointed to superintend the banks, and a similar office 
still exists. 

Panic of 1837. — The remarkable growth of the 
country after the War of 1812, the mania for land spec- 
ulation, and the inflation of the currency brought on the 
panic of 1837. Gold rose in value and paper money 
fell. Credit was refused, and payment in gold de- 
manded. The panic resulted. Business was prostrated 
and misery and distress raised their gaunt heads. A 
mob of ^' Jackson Jacobins " in front of the City Hall 
in ]^ew York cried : ^' Bread, meat, rent, fuel ! Their 



^TATE AND NATIONAL POLITICS 1Y5 

prices must go down." Another meeting in City Hall 
Park demanded the prohibition of paper bills under 
$100 and the use of gold and silver, denounced land- 
lords and condemned storekeepers. A riot resulted: a 
flour warehouse was robbed, and the militia had to bo 
called out. Outside of the metropolis banks failed, im- 
provements stopped, factories were closed, thriving 
western towns stood still, mills were shut up, credit was 
refused, debts were unpaid, and even the state had not 
credit enough to borrow $500,000 at six per cent. 

Political Effect. — The party in power was blamed for 
the panic. Van Buren w^as petitioned to check it by 
proper legislation. For the first time in years the 
Democrats were defeated in a state election (1837). 
The Whigs elected 101 out of 128 assemblymen and all 
but one of the senators, and also the mayor of New York 
City (1838). The shrewd old statesman Marcy was 
again pitted against a fiery young orator, William H. 
Seward (1838). The Equal-Rights men opposed Marcy 
as a speculator, and the banks worked against him. 
Seward was elected governor by over 10,000 majority. 
Van Buren and the Regency had lost their power in 
!N^ew York, and the electors of his own state refused to 
support Van Buren for re-election (1840). 

New York in 1838. — Well could Governor Seward 
say to the legislature: " History furnishes no parallel to 
the financial achievements of this state. It surrendered 
its share in the national domain and relinquished for the 
general w^elfare the revenues of its foreign commerce — 
equal generally to two thirds of the entire expenditure 
of the federal government. It has nevertheless sus- 
tained the expenses of its own administration, founded 



1Y6 SHORT HISTOnr OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

and endowed a broad system of education, charitable in- 
stitutions for every class of the unfortunate, and a peni- 
tentiary establishment which is adopted as a model by 
civilized nations. It has increased four-fold the wealth 
of its citizens and relieved them from direct taxation; 
and, in addition to all this, has carried forward a stupen- 
dous enterprise of improvement, all the while diminish- 
ing its debt, magnifying its credit, and augmenting its 
resources '' (1838). 



Chapter XXXVI.— The Patriot War 

Causes of the War. — In 1837 Upper and Lower Can- 
ada began a revolt against British rule for popular 
rights. In Lower Canada Papineau was the eloquent 
leader of the Prench. Some blood was shed near Mon- 
treal, but the insurrection was soon put down (E'ov.). In 
Upper Canada a faction wished an independent republic. 
Rebellion broke out near Toronto, but was soon sup- 
pressed. The leaders either fled to the United States oi- 
were captured and punished. Refugees met a warm 
reception in this country. One of them, Mackenzie, 
with a reward of $4,000 on his head, seized Xavy Island 
in Niagara River, held it with 20 cannon and 700 men, 
mostly Americans, established a republic, floated a flag, 
used a big seal, and issued paper money. 

The Destruction of the Carolire, a steamer used by 
Mackenzie, by Canadian militia caused great excitement 
(Dec. 29, 1837). The vessel Avas on the American shore 
when seized, set on fire and sent over the falls. This 



T3E PATRIOT WAR 177 

was an invasion of American territory. Van Buren at 
once declared that he would enforce the law of neutral- 
ity. General Scott was sent to the frontier to stop all 
armed intervention and supplies, and Governor Marcy 
placed the state militia under his command.^ Raids into 
British territory continued all along the frontier. Arms 
were stolen from the state arsenal at Watertown, and a 
large force collected at Clayton for an invasion (Feb., 
1838). Mackenzie and Van Rensselaer quarreled over 
the leadership, and the expedition was abandoned. The 
British steamer Sir Robert Peel was boarded at Welles- 
ley Island by a band dressed as Indians and burned, 
with the yell, " Remember the Caroline.'^ 

Battle of Windmill Point. — Finally a steamer and 
two schooners, loaded with a large band of sympathizers 
having their arms concealed, started for Prescott (I^ov. 
11). General John W. Birge of Cazenovia led the ex- 
pedition. At Ogdensburg they were joined by others. 
At Windmill Point 180 patriots landed under Von 
Schoultz and prepared for a defense. After several 
days' fighting, however, they surrendered uncondition- 
ally. The signal for a general uprising in Canada had 
failed. The prisoners, mostly from Kew York, were 
tried, Von Schoultz and seven privates were hanged and 
the rest were pardoned. This practically ended the 
Patriot War. Van Buren was sharply criticised for his 
neutrality, and was called a British tool. For years 
northern l^ew York voted against the Democratic party. 

The Presidential Campaign of 1840 was a remarkable 
one. The Whigs, who had now spread all over the 



1 Congi-ess voted $625,000 to protect our northern frontiers. 



lYS SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORS: 

country, nominated Harrison and Tyler. The !N^ew 
York Whigs, led by Thurlow Weed, had defeated 
Henry Clay, the father of the party. The Democrats 
rallied around Van Buren. This ^^ log-cabin and hard- 
cider " campaign had '^ more enthusiasm and less 
thought " than any former one. All over the state pro- 
cessions of soldiers, accompanied by their wives, chil- 
dren, and friends, with banners, flags, cider-barrels, log 
cabins, and raccoons, were formed. Harrison, the " Cin- 
cinnatus from his plow,'' received 234 electoral votes to 
Van Buren's 60. Even Xew York gave the former 
13,200 votes more than the latter. 

The State Election reflected the spirit of the na- 
tional campaign. The Whigs renominated Seward 
and Bradish (Aug. 12, 1840), and the Democrats 
were led by Bouck and Dickinson. The Abolitionists 
for the first time entered the field with Gerrit Smith 
and Shepard as candidates. Mass-meetings were held 
in all the towns. Seward was elected by over 5,000 
majority, and the legislature was again Whig. The next 
year Whig extravagance enabled the Democrats to gain 
control of both branches of the legislature. In 1842 
Seward's unpopularity prevented his renomination for 
governor. Bradish headed the Whig ticket and was 
elected over Bouck, the Democratic candidate, by 
21,000 majority, but the legislature remained Demo- 
cratic. 

Fugitive Slaves. — About this time New York had a 
taste of what was to be serious trouble later. Three 
colored men forcibly took a slave from John G. Colley 
in Virginia and carried him to l^ew York City (July 15, 
1839). The governor of Virginia declared them to be 



THE PATRIOT WAR 1^9 

fugitives from justice, and asked Governor Seward to 
give them up. He refused to surrender tliem^ and was 
supported in liis action by the legislature. Virginia 
tried to retaliate, but the controversy died down, to be 
revived some years later. 

Presidential Campaign of 1844.— In 1844 Van Buren 
expected the Baltimore convention (May 27) to renomi- 
nate him for President. By opposing the annexation 
of Texas he lost the support of the slave states. He had 
a majority of the delegates, but could not gain the re- 
quired two-thirds, and James K. Polk was nominated. 
A few weeks before, in the same city, the Whigs had 
chosen Clay as their candidate (May 1). Polk favored 
and Clay opposed the annexation of the Lone Star State, 
Clay might have been elected had not factions divided 
the Whigs. 

The Native American Party. — The great influx of 
foreigners into New York and the ease by which they 
became voters soon gave them the balance of political 
power and enabled them to demand too large a share in 
party spoils. To prevent this the party of " Native 
Americans'' was formed in New York City. They 
elected Harper mayor by a majority of 4,316 and soon 
became a political power in the state. The Whigs them- 
selves divided on this question. One faction, led by 
Seward, Weed, and Greeley, favored '' adopted " citi- 
zens; the other, supported by a paper in Buffalo and two 
in New York City, wished to keep foreigners out of 
politics. 

Liberty Party. — The Abolitionists organized them- 
selves into the Liberty Party, whose " one idea '' was the 
immediate emancipation of slaves. Most of the party 



180 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

were men of wealth, talent, education, and character. 
The Liberty Press at Utica was their literary organ. 
They opposed the annexation of Texas and hence Polk. 
Clay was a slaveholder, so they could not support him. 
They nominated James G. Birney, who had freed his 
slaves in Kentucky and moved to Michigan. Of the 
62,300 votes he received, 15,812 came from New York. 
This sentiment foretold great things for the future. 

Political Results. — The national contest was again the 
state issue. The Democrats also broke into two hostile 
camps. The '^ Hunkers,'^ followers of Van Buren and 
anti-Texas men, were defeated by the '' Barnburners,'' 
led by Butler, Dix, and Flagg, who nominated their 
candidates, Silas Wright and Gardiner, for governor 
and lieutenant-governor (Sept. 4, 1844). The Whigs 
named Fillmore and Wilkin with great unanimity 
(Sept. 11). The campaign was a repetition of that 
of 1840. Orators addressed mass-meetings all over 
the state. The E^ative Americans had candidates for 
Congress and the legislature, but voted as they pleased 
for governor and President. They carried a majority 
of the local elections in the metropolis. The " Anti- 
renters " carried seven counties. The Liberty Party 
did not elect a single candidate. Wright was chosen, 
governor by 10,000 votes, and Polk was elected Presi- 
dent. Had the Liberty Party's 15,000 votes been cast 
for Clav he would have been the next President. The 
feud between the Hunkers and the Barnburners in- 
creased in bitterness and defeated the re-election of 
Wright (1846). John Young was placed in the execu- 
tive chair by 11,000 majority, and served one term. 



THE ANTIRENT FEUD 181 



Chapter XXXYII. — The Antirent Feud 

The Careless Granting of Lands, before and after Xew 
York became a state, was now causing social and polit- 
ical trouble. Dutch patroons, English governors and 
their favorites, and home and foreign capitalists like the 
English and Dutch land companies, had secured large 
grants of the best land. Next to William Penn, Sir 
William Johnson was the largest landowner on the 
continent. By 1791 5,500,000 of the 7,000,000 acres 
owned by the state had been sold to speculators at the 
lowest prices. 

Feudalism. — During the early days these few owners 
of large tracts, with almost feudal powers, did much to 
people and develop the country. The land was given 
to their tenants on perpetual and short leases, not sold 
outright. The renters had to pay an annual rent in 
money or wheat, and, in some cases, hens, produce, and 
several days' work besides. The streams and mines were 
reserved by the landlord. In some cases a tenant who 
sold his leased land w^as compelled to give one-third of 
the amount to the landlords. Other leases were more 
lenient. 

Attempts to Abolish Feudalism. — The Revolution pre- 
tended to abolish feudalism (1779) in the state, but by 
using different deeds the landlords maintained their 
feudal tenures. The farmers w^ere forced to build 
houses and barns, set out orchards, and keep the land in 
good condition. These improvements increased the 
value of the farms, but only for the owners. For slight 
reasons they might take away the lands and thus the 



182 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tenants would lose all, for they had no free titles. Is 
it any wonder, then, that the radical ideas of the Revolu- 
tion led to discontent ? Efforts to better the land 
laws and to kill feudalistic tendencies were tried (1785- 
1789), but failed. In vain an attempt was made to limit 
the claims of landlords and to define their tenants' 
rights (1812). !Not until forced by insurrection did the 
change come. 

Landlords and Tenants at Loggerheads. — For years 
there had been more or less trouble between landlord 
and tenant in the state. The tenants of the Clarke es- 
tate had demanded an examination by the legislature 
into their titles. The manor of Livingston was sub- 
jected to a like inspection. The sheriff of Columbia 
county had been murdered by '^ Antirenters." 

The " Genesee Tariff." — The Holland speculators sold 
land directly to actual settlers, but poor crops and sick- 
ness often led to eviction and loss of all improvements. 
The Dutch merchants sold their lands to a company with 
its headquarters at Batavia (1835). The new organiza- 
tion resolved to collect all claims with compound in- 
terest and to grant further time only on condition that 
twenty per cent be added to the principal. Thus land 
bought at $2 an acre would cost $2.40, and at $4 would 
cost $4.80. On a hundred or more acres the difference 
would be a burden not easily removed. The object was 
to force payment. This new tax was denounced as the 
" Genesee tariff." 

Mob at Mayville and Batavia. — The spirited settlers 
were aroused at the rumors. In Chautauqua county a 
public meeting was held in the court-house, and a com- 
mittee sent to Batavia to learn the facts. Nothing 



THE ANTIRENT FEUD 183 

satisfactory was discovered. Another indignation meet- 
ing sent a committee to the local agent at Mayville, 
where the truth of the rumors was verified. A mob 
assembled, armed with axes, crowbars, and clubs, 
marched to Mayville at night (Feb. 6, 1837), surrounded 
the land office, demolished the wooden part of the 
building, broke open the vault and took the records 
into the street, where they were burned. A similar 
mob organized at Batavia, but it was put down by the 
prompt action of the sheriff and the militia. Excite- 
ment was high for some days. The office of the com- 
pany had to be guarded night and day. Only Seward's 
tact as agent prevented a violent outburst. This ended 
the " Land-Office War " in the west. 

The Strife in Eastern New York was not so easily 
settled. It covered all the counties where the land was 
held by lease. The first antirent outbreaks took place 
in Albany county (1839) on the Van Eensselaer manor. 
" The last of the patroons,'' Stephen Van Eensselaer, a 
noble man full of a desire to aid every worthy cause, had 
allowed $400,000 back rents to accumulate. He died 
(Jan. 25, 1839), and his son, the new landlord, resolved 
to collect the back rent and other feudal dues. This 
angered the farmers, and associations were formed to 
resist payment. For several months the sheriff tried in 
vain to serve papers on the tenants for back rent. His 
papers were burned instead. At last with 500 armed 
men, one of whom was ex-Governor William L. Marcy, 
the sheriff set out to gain his end. But a crowd of 
mounted and armed tenants forced the sheriff to beat a 
hasty retreat. Governor Seward then called out the 
militia to suppress the angry mob of 1,500 armed farm- 



184 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

ers, and issued a proclamation (Dec. 10) appealing to 
them to respect the courts and the law, and promising to 
refer the dispute to the legislature. The papers were 
served without trouble. This ended the first phase of 
the antirent war, which lasted for six years. 

Antirenters Organize.^ — True to his promise, Gov- 
ernor Seward ap23ealed to the legislature (1840) to 
right the wrongs of the tenants of leaseholds. Two 
commissioners were appointed to examine into the com- 
plaints. A settlement was tried, but failed. Antirent 
associations again began to spread. Agitators aroused 
the people. The legislature was overwhelmed with 
petitions. Wild schemes were proposed. Bands dis- 
guised as Indians,^ led by ^' Big Thunder/' ^' Little 
Thunder," " Blue Beard," '' White Chief," and other 
mock chiefs, armed with pistols, knives, and rifles, 
defied the law and committed acts of violence. 

Conflicts were frequent. The first took place at Graf- 
ton in Rensselaer county, where one man was killed 
(Dec, 1844). In Columbia county over 1,000 resisted 
the sheriff's attempt to sell lands for unpaid rent. The 
leaders were arrested, but the troops of neighboring 
counties had to be called out by the governor. Similar 
scenes took place in Schoharie, Delaware, and Ulster 
counties, paralyzing local government. Agents of the 
landlord and of the sheriff were frequently tarred and 



^ They wore sheepskin caps pulled down over the face with 
holes cut for eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, and ornamented 
with feathers, plumes of horsehair, and an artificial beard. The 
body of the Indian was covered by a calico blouse extending a 
little below the knees and tied at the waist by a brilliantly 
colored sash. 



THE ANTIRENT FEUD 185 

feathered. The legislature passed a law forbidding the 
use of disguises, and another ordering the governor to 
preserve order (1845). The leaders were arrested; 
some were sentenced to be hanged; others were sent to 
state prison for periods ranging from two years to life ; 
and still others were fined from $25 to $500. But the 
severe sentences were not carried out. In one county 
alone, Delaware, the expenses for the trials were $64,- 
000. 

Political Effects. — The " Antirenters " became a 
strong factor in state politics. They early held a con- 
vention at Berne, Albany county (Jan., 1845). Eleven 
counties were represented by 170 delegates. The 
Albany Freeholder (1845-1854) and the Delaware 
Gazette were their newspapers, and others sympathized 
with them. A political party was organized. They 
helped nominate and elect John Young, a Whig, as 
governor, and Addison Gardiner, a Democrat, as lieu- 
tenant-governor, and sent one senator and tw^elve as- 
semblymen to the legislature (1846). They played a 
telling part also in defeating Clay for President (1844). 

Demands for Constitutional Changes. — Governor 
Wright urged the taxation of the rents of landlords, the 
abolition of perpetual leases and the limiting of them 
to short periods (1846). The legislature discussed the 
recommendations all the session. Samuel J. Tilden led 
the reform movement. It w^as felt that the constitu- 
tions of 1777 and 1821 protected landlords, and there- 
fore clamors for a constitutional convention were long 
and loud (1844-46). That body, when called, abolished 
'^ all feudal tenure " except " rents and services," 
limited leases to tw^elve years, and allowed land to be 



186 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

sold at will. This was a decided gain for the " Anti- 
renters." 

Excitement Subsides. — Governor Young pardoned all 
the Antirent prisoners (Jan., 1847) still confined. The 
Court of Appeals decided all forms of feudal tenure 
illegal, though the titles and right to rent were acknowl- 
edged (1852). Gradually the renters bought their 
farms, until to-day the number on lease in these counties 
is no larger than in other states. Thus the excitement 
died out. 



Chaptee XXXYIII. — The Constitution of 1846 

Constitutional Amendments. — The constitution of 
1821 served as the fundamental law of the state for 
twenty-five years, but came into disfavor more and more 
with the growth of the state. Under this constitution 
ten amendments had been ratified by the people. Their 
general tenor was to extend the franchise and to regu- 
late taxation. Presidential electors were ordered chosen 
by districts (1845). Justices of the peace were elected 
by the people (1826). The mayor of I^^ew York City 
was chosen by popular vote (1833), and soon the change 
was extended to other cities (1839). Property qualifi- 
cation for office was also removed (1845). 

New Constitution Demanded. — By 1845 the balance 
of power had shifted from the rural districts to the cities 
and to^vns. It was felt that too much power was in the 
hands of the governor and senate. The court of chan- 
cery needed reorganization. Better supervision of the 



THE CONSTITUTION OF 1846 187 

public debt was demanded. A clamor had arisen for 
better laws. Therefore Governor Wright in his mes- 
sage suggested a constitutional convention. The "Hun- 
kers/' for fear of losing their power, opposed it. The 
radical Whigs, who constituted a majority of the party, 
favored it and wished to make it a political issue. The 
ISTative Americans and likewise the '^ Antirenters " 
championed it. Under the leadership of Governor 
Young, the legislature submitted the question to the 
people, who voted for it— 213,257 to 33,860 (N'ov. 4, 
1845). 

Constitutional Convention. — The convention was 
called accordingly to meet June 1 at Albany. The 
Democrats had a majority of the 128 delegates. There 
were 45 lawyers, 43 farmers, 12 merchants, 8 physi- 
cians, and 6 mechanics present. At least 53 were not 
native !New Yorkers. Many great men were in the con- 
vention. Ira Harris, Charles O'Conor, Samuel J. 
Tilden, William C. Bouck, and James Tallmadge were 
the only members who had also attended the conven- 
tion of 1821. 

The Changes made to improve the social and political 
condition of the state were many and important. The 
principle of democracy was asserted, and a bill of rights 
guaranteed liberty to individuals. The ballot was given 
to all white male citizens. The senate was increased to 
32, and the assembly to 128. All voters were eligible 
to office. The power of appointment was taken from 
the governor and legislature and given to the people. 
The courts were reorganized and made dependent di- 
rectly upon the voters, ks was also the right of the leg- 
islature to contract state debts. The constitution was 



188 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

ratified by a vote of 221,528 to 92,436 (Eoy. 3), and 
democracy had made another great advance. 

Later Amendments. — This constitution, amended from 
time to time to give the people more power, lasted till 
1894. A free-school laAV was passed by an amendment 
(1849), the canals were ordered completed (1854), a 
loan of $2,500,000 was authorized to pay off the floating 
debt (1859), absent soldier electors were allowed to vote 
(1865), and the judiciar}^ was reorganized (1867, 1872, 
1879, 1882). All tolls on canals were abolished (1882), 
and local governments were restricted in their power to 
incur debts to ten per cent of their assessed values 
(1884). 

New York in the Mexican War. — Meanwhile the 
Mexican War was fought over the annexation of Texas 
by the United States (1845). New-Yorkers played a 
prominent part in the partition of Mexico. Marcy was 
Secretary of War. Commodore Sloat of !New York 
City captured Monterey, the old Mexican capital. Gen- 
eral Stephen Watts Kearny marched 1,600 men 1,000 
miles through the desert and took Santa Fe. Philip 
Kearny was the first soldier to enter the gates of 
Mexico, though it cost him an arm. General Worth 
made a brilliant record, and General Wool raised 12,000 
volunteers in less than six weeks. Many others won 
fame and a name for themselves. The state was not 
slow to act. The legislature at once authorized the 
governor to raise 50,000 volunteers, and appropriated 
$100,000 for expenses. 

Political Results of the War. — The Whigs strongly 
opposed the annexation of Texas and the extension of 
slavery, Van Buren, Wright, and their followers took 



TUB CONSTITUTION OF IS^G 189 

the same view. Another faction, composed mostly of 
Democrats, denounced the popular protests against 
slavery, an institution recognized by the constitution. 
Polk's election and the Mexican War led to a schism in 
the Democratic party over slavery. One faction, led by 
Van Buren, Wright, Dix, and Flagg, denounced the 
war as one " for the extension of slavery," and were 
called " Barnburners,'' ^^ Radical Democrats," and later 
^^ Freesoilers." The other faction, the '^ Hunkers," 
the '^ northern men with southern principles," led by 
Dickinson and Marcv, favored the annexation of Texas. 
State Election of 1846. — In the Democratic state con- 
vention (Oct., 1846) the ^' Barnburners," outnumber- 
ing the '^ Hunkers," renominated Wright and Gar- 
diner, and hoped the war would soon end. The new 
constitution was also approved. The Whigs renomi- 
nated Young and Fish (Sept. 23). The Liberty party 
and the National Reformers made Bradley and Chaplin 
their leaders. Ogden Edwards was the candidate of the 
E'ative Americans, while the Antirenters supported 
Young, a Whig, and Gardiner, a Democrat. The last- 
named candidates were elected governor and lieutenant- 
governor, respectively, by large majorities. The Anti- 
rent vote, Governor Wright's veto of the canal bill, the 
inactivity of the Hunkers, and the war policy of Presi- 
dent Polk caused the defeat of the Democrats. 



190 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



Chapter XXXIX. — The Era of Kaileoad Building 

First Railroad.— The crooked Indian trails and wind- 
ing waterways early gave way to crnde roads for travel 
across the state. These in turn were replaced by canals 
and turnpikes. Then came the revolutionizing railroad. 
The legislature of I^ew York granted the first charter 
for a passenger railroad in America from Albany to 
Schenectady (1826). General Stephen Van Eensselaer, 
president of the new company, broke sod for the road 
with a silver spade (July 29, 1830), and 2,000 men 
began to work. The rails were wooden with iron strips 
on top. On August 10, 1831, the new road was opened 
and two davs' travel had been reduced to two hours. 

Railroad Engines. — In 1829 C. E. Detmold received a 
premium for a horse-locomotive, and an English steam- 
qngine was exhibited in Xew York City. The next year 
at the West Point foundry Detmold built for a south- 
ern road the first two practical locomotives in America. 
The third engine made was for the Mohawk and 
Hudson Eailroad Company. A '' grand excursion," the 
first of its kind, took place September 24, 1831, at 
which this prophetic toast w^as given : ^^ The Buffalo 
railroad! May we soon breakfast in Utica, dine at 
Rochester, and sup with our friends on Lake Erie ! " 
Soon the " De Witt Clinton " and the '' John Bull '' 
engines were running over the 12^ miles, with stage 
coaches on trucks, in an hour and thirty-five minutes. 
Coke was used for fuel. In a short time " Brother 
Jonathan " made the trip in thirty-four minutes. 

Railroad Convention. — The railroad craze soon took 



THE ERA OF RAILROAD BUILDING 191 

Uold of the people as the canal fever had done. In 1831 
the legislature was petitioned for charters amounting to 
$43,000,000. A '' railroad convention " was held at 
Syracuse, and the 84 delegates resolved to incorporate 
a railroad from Albany to Buffalo to carry passengers 
and freight (1831). There was like agitation for a 
road from Troy to Whitehall, and from Lake Champlain 
to the St. Lawrence. Soon roads were branching out in 
every direction to connect the chief points. By 1836 
the railroad was formally opened from Albany to Utica 
by Vice-President Van Buren and the state officials. A 
train covered the 77 miles from Utica to Schenectady 
in three hours and fifty-four minutes. Three years 
later a train passed over the road to Syracuse, and the 
Syracuse Standard said, '' It is an important event in 
our village history to be thus brought within ten hours 
of Albany.'^ 

The Erie Railroad. — Meanwhile the New York and 
Erie Railroad was chartered " to lay a single, double, or 
triple track from the city of IvTew York to Lake Erie " 
(April 24, 1832). The capital stock was limited to 
$10,000,000, and the charter was good for fifty years. 
The national government made the preliminary survey, 
and the state completed it (1834). A railroad through 
a sterile country was denounced as " chimerical, im- 
practicable, and useless ''; still the state had confidence 
enough in it to loan the company $3,000,000 (Sept. 8, 
1836). Construction began at once, and by 1841 the 
road was opened 46 miles from Piermont to Goshen, by 
1843 to Middletown, by 1848 to Binghamton, by 1849 
to Elmira, by 1850 to Hornellsville, and by April 22 of 
the next year to Dunkirk. 



102 SHORT BISTORT OF TEE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Opening of the Erie. — Such an enterprise must be 
celebrated with fitting ceremonies. Two carloads of 
people, with President Fillmore, Daniel Webster, and 
other great men among them, were carried over the 446 
miles from the Hudson to the Lakes. At all points boom- 
ing cannon, flying flags, cheering multitudes, banquets, 
and addresses greeted them. The New York Tribune 
stated that the train left the metropolis on ^' Monday, 
stopped for the night at Elmira, and arrived at Dunkirk 
about six o'clock on Tuesday evening, amid the rejoic- 
ings of thousands who had gathered to witness the ad- 
vent of the first train of cars from the banks of the Hud- 
son " (April 25). The road cost about $33,500,000. In 
1854 it carried 1,125,123 passengers and 743,250 tons 
of freight, earning $5,360,000. It has had a very un- 
fortunate career, but has been an imdoubted benefit to 
the state. 

Formation of the New York Central. — All this time 
short lines were being built over the state, such as the 
Albany and Schenectady; the Schenectady and Troy; 
the Utica and Schenectady; the Eochester and Syra- 
cuse; the Buffalo and Lockport; the Mohawk Valley; 
the Eochester, Lockport, and Niagara Falls; and the 
Buffalo and Eochester. These were soon incorporated 
into the ^NTew York Central, the second state trunk line 
(April 2, 1853). In 1846 the Hudson Eiver Eailroad 
Company was chartered, and in 1851 it carried pas- 
sengers from New York City to Albany in four hours. 
These two lines were consolidated in 1869 into a system 
which now includes the West Shore, from Buffalo to 
New York, leased in 1886 for 475 years, and the 
Harlem Eailroad, also leased in 1873 for 400 years. 



TEE ERA OF RAILROAD BUILDING 193 

Other Railroads. — The Long Island Railroad Com- 
pany was operating a road in 1844 from Brooklyn to 
Greenport, 95 miles. The Northern Railroad Company 
in 1850 opened a road from Ogdensbnrg to Lake Cham- 
j)lain. The Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Rail- 
road was organized in 1853 by the union of short roads, 
and in 1882 it ran to Buffalo. The 325 miles of rail- 
road in New York in 1838 grew to 1,019 miles in a 
decade. Over $73,000,000 had been invested in 1,763 
miles of road (1851) doing an $8,000,000 business. To 
give the canals an equal chance railroads had to pay tolls, 
and in 1853 $661,000 was paid to the state. Up to 1867 
the state had given $8,000,000 to railroads. A board 
of railroad commissioners was created to manage them 
(1855). All the cities and villages were united by rail- 
roads and stages, and scarcely any part of the state was 
now distant more than a day from the metropolis. 

Morse's Telegraph. — With railroads came the tele- 
graph invented by S. F. B. Morse, a resident of New 
York City after 1815, a scholar, artist, and teacher. In 
1837 he sent a telegraph message half a mile. Congress 
ridiculed his request for aid at first, but finally voted 
$30,000 for a test (1843). A line was built from Wash- 
ington to Baltimore and successfully operated. Soon 
lines ran from New York to all the principal cities. In 
1866 these various lines were consolidated into the 
Western Union. The railroad and telegraph revolu- 
tionized business. The Erie Railroad first used the tele- 
graph to do its business (1852). In 1861 New York 
was united with San Francisco by telegraph. 

The Submarine Telegraph was discussed by Peter Coo- 
per, Moses Tyler, and Cyrus W. Field in 1854. Morse 



194 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

had proved its possibility (1842), and ^ew York and 
Jersey City had been united (1848). Field organized 
a company to cross the Atlantic. The first attempt 
(1857) failed, but the next year the cable was laid (Aug. 
4), and 366 messages had been sent when the wire broke. 
The project was resumed after the Civil War (1865), 
and proved to be a great success (July 27, 1866). 

Express Companies. — With railroads and telegraph 
lines arose the need of express companies. This busi- 
ness had been done by stage-drivers, captains of canal- 
boats, and railroad conductors. In 1839 William F. 
Harnden established the first package express between 
New York and Boston. He soon operated other lines 
and even one to Europe. Alvin Adams organized the 
Adams Express Company (1840), which by 1854 had 
swallowed up seven rival companies. Money was first 
sent by express in 1850. Other companies soon fol- 
lowed—American (1850), Wells Fargo (1852), the 
:N'ational (1853), and the United States (1854). I^ew 
York men had most to do in organizing this branch of 
business. 

The Traffic of the Canals was not immediately in- 
jured by the railroads. In 1855 over $2,805,000 in tolls 
was paid to the state — all but $300,000 coming from the 
Erie Canal. During the 25 yeajrs after 1835 over 
68,000,000 tons, valued at $3,232,775,000 or a yearly 
average of $129,311,000, were moved. Forest products 
amounted to $229,000,000, agricultural produce $912,- 
000,000, and manufactures $185,000,000. This was a 
large business for that day. 



RESULTS OF THE BUILDING OF THE RAILROADS 195 



Chapter XL. — General Kesults of the BuiLDma of 

THE KaILROADS 

World's Fair in 1853. — As a fitting celebration of the 
marvelous inventions and growth of the state, the first 
'' World's Fair '^ in America was held in the famous iron 
and glass building, the Crystal Palace, in ^ew York 
City. It was opened (July 14, 1853) by President 
Pierce, accompanied by Jefferson Davis and other 
cabinet members, senators, three governors, officers of 
the army and navy, foreign ministers, and other digni- 
taries. The President and cabinet were banqueted. 
Eleven toasts were given praising the fair, the city, the 
state, and the nation. Davis eulogized the flag, under 
which both he and his father had fought, and the bless- 
ings of peace secured through free trade. 

Exhibits from all the civilized countries of the world 
were there from over 6,000 contributors. It was the 
largest collection of paintings, sculpture, arts, inven- 
tions, and products ever seen up to that time in Amer- 
ica. The newspapers of the day gave a glowing account 
of the varied display. About 4,000 persons each day 
visited it. The Neio York Tribune said: " The Crystal 
Palace is the most eminent tribute to art and industry 
that this country and this century can pay." It lasted 
several months and did much to further develop the 
state and nation. Of the exliibitors 2,083 were Ameri- 
cans. 

Growth of the State. — The railroads continued the 
prosperity begun by the canals. The era of railroad 



196 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

biiilclmg (1830-1855) was one of remarkable expansion. 
The population increased from 2,175,000 (1835) to 
3,466,000 (1855). There were 60 inhabitants to each 
square mile (1850). Hamlets developed into villages, 
and villages into cities. When the first shovel of dirt 
was dug for the railroads there was not a single city 
west of Schenectady, but Utica and Buffalo were incor- 
porated in 1832, Brooklyn and Rochester in 1831, 
Syracuse in 1847, and Auburn and Oswego, the " little 
IN'ew Yorks,'' in 1848. The wealth of the state was 
valued at $1,080,000,000 (1850). 

New York City, the heart, pumped the life-blood of 
trade to and from every corner of the state. Big 
business enterprises could be conducted with ease 
at great distances from the seaport. Hence more 
factories were built, mills increased, stores mul- 
tiplied, and money was lavishly invested. It was an 
era of great things. More was done in New York within 
a quarter of a century than in Europe in several cen- 
turies. 

Cities and Villages felt a new life stimulating them. 
In 1850 Buffalo had a smaller population than Albany 
— only 42,000 — but in five years it went up to 74,000 — 
80 per cent ! The lake trade had become enormous. Buf- 
falo was the distributing station for the western 
country. Factories and stores were thriving. Syracuse 
had changed from a village of 7,000 (1840) to an 
active city of 25,000 (1855), and w^as fast becoming 
famous for salt-factories. The population of Eochester 
more than tripled in twenty years — from 14,500 
(1835) to 44,000 (1855)— and had gained a world-wide 
reputation through its flour-mills. Utica grew from 



RESULTS OF THE BUILDING OF THE RAILROADS 197 

10,000 (1835) to 22,000 (1855). Oswego had 16,000 
inhabitants. Auburn 9,500, and Troy 33,000 (1855). 
Brooklyn had increased nine-fold — from 24,500 (1835) 
to 205,500 (1855) — but Hudson, Schenectady, and 
Poughkeepsie had made little progress. 

New York City gained more than any other. All 
railroads ran to her marts and there unloaded their bur- 
dens for sale or shipment across the seas. Merchants 
came from all directions to buy their summer and winter 
supplies. Great wholesale and retail houses arose. 
Brokers and shippers came into existence. The city 
became the recognized business head of the w^estern 
hemisphere. During the first half of the century her 
population had more than doubled every decade, and in 
1855 had reached 630,000. Her exports amounted to 
$99,000,000, and her imports reached $196,000,000 
(1856). It took over 4,000 cartmen to do the trans- 
ferring of goods, and 600 omnibuses to care for the pas- 
sengers. The 32 churches of 1800 were 260 fifty years 
later, while 250 public schools educated 80,000 children. 

Industry. — The railroads did even more for industry 
than the canals. Now working men began to leave the 
farm to enter mines and shops newly opened by the 
hundreds. There were about 24,000 establishments 
(1850), employing 200,000 hands and $100,000,000 
capital, and producing $240,000,000 worth of goods. 
This was far ahead of any other state. The chief articles 
made were farming implements, $3,000,000; metal tools 
and fixings, $43,000,000; cloth, $20,000,000; chemicals, 
$62,000,000; steam-engines and ships, $13,000,000 
grist-mills, $52,000,000; lumber-mills, $24,000,000 
pottery and glass, $10,000,000; leather, $28,000,000 



198 SHORT HIST0M7 OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

household goods, $9,000,000; fine arts, $8,000,000; and 
clothing, $22,000,000. 

Agriculture. — From 1835 to 1855 improved land in- 
creased from 10,000,000 to 13,700,000 acres. There 
were 361,000 owners of land. The farm produce was 
enormous. There were raised over 9,000,000 bushels of 
wheat, 27,000,000 of oats, 20,000,000 of corn, 5,000,- 
000 of potatoes, 4,000,000 of rye, 14,000,000 of apples, 
and 3,000,000 of buckwheat, besides many other grains 
and fruits. Over 3,000,000 tons of hay were moved. 
Garden produce amounted to over $2,500,000. In the 
spring 5,000,000 pounds of maple sugar were made 
and 85,000 gallons of syrup. During the summer over 
2,500,000 pounds of honey and 138,000 pounds of 
beeswax were secured. About 90,000,000 pounds of 
butter and 40,000,000 pounds of cheese were made. 

General Improvement in Farming. — These figures 
show that the farmers and their wives and families were 
not idle. Yet they only show a part of the real produce 
of the farms. Improved machinery enabled the farmer 
to do four times as much as before. The land was 
cleared of stones and stumps. The reaping and mowing 
machine replaced the sickle and cradle for harvesting 
grains and hay. Plows and harrows were improved. 
Many other inventions made farming easier and more 
profitable. But the greatest benefit was the good 
markets brought by the canal and railroad. The num- 
ber of horses, cattle, swine, and sheep had increased 
comparatively little in the twenty years. Over 9,000,- 
000 pounds of wool were grow^n, however, in 1855. 



f 



EDUCATION AND LITERATURE 199 



Chapter XLI. — Education and Literature 

Public Schools. — During this period there was more 
interest in education than ever before. The legislature 
decided " to arouse the public attention to the important 
subject of education, and, by adopting a system of com- 
mon schools, in the expense of which the state would 
largely participate, to bring instruction within the reach 
of the humblest citizen.'^ Education by the state had 
become a clear duty and not a begrudged act of charity. 
But the extension of the free public school up through 
the high school to the college was yet to be worked 
out. In 1840 573,000 children were being educated in 
11,000 districts. 

Educational Progress. — District school libraries were 
suggested as early as 1830, established in 1835, and 
given $55,000 in 1838. Many of these books are still 
scattered over the state. They have done a great deal 
of good and enlightened many a mind. The cities were 
imitating the Public School Society of New York. The 
great educator, Horace Mann, said in 1815, '' The great 
state of New York is carrying forward the work of 
public education more rapidly than any other state in 
the Union or any other country in the world." This 
was a glowing tribute to the great statesmen and edu- 
cators who developed New York's educational system. 
County superintendents were elected in 1841, but for 
political reasons this method of selecting them was 
soon abolished and was not revived again until 1856. 

Trained Teachers. — As the schools grew a demand for 
trained teachers arose. Some academies attempted this 



200 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

work (1835), but the first school for the purpose was the 
Albany I^ormal School (1851). The first teachers' in- 
stitute was held at Ithaca (1843), and soon it became a 
permanent institution. The secret '' Society of As- 
sociated Teachers '' in ]^ew York City (1794) led to 
county and town organizations (1830). The first state 
convention of teachers was held at Utica (1830), and 
annually afterward. The State Teachers' Association 
was formed at Syracuse (1845). In 1854 the first 
superintendent of public instruction, Victor M. Rice, 
w^as appointed by the legislature for three years. 

No Free-school System. — Still the state had no free- 
school system. Some districts made their schools free. 
The schools received a large sum from the state, $1,600,- 
000 in 1850, but not enough to pay all expenses. Hence 
parents paid ^' rate-bills " in proportion to the number 
of days their children went to school. In 1840 $475,- 
000 was raised in this way. This system lasted till 1867. 
A cry arose for free schools, and the ^^ rate-bills " were 
denounced as luijust to the poor. The legislature finally 
submitted the question of their abolition to the people 
(1849), when 250,000 persons favored making the 
" state educate the children of the state " and 92,000 
opposed it. The matter was compromised by letting 
the ^' rate-bills " stand for 16 years, but at the same 
time relieving the parents by a state tax of $800,000. 

Newspapers and Magazines. — One of the evidences of 
progress in general intelligence is seen in the increase 
of magazines and newspapers, which numbered 428 in 
1850 and had a circulation of 1,625,000. There were 
51 dailies, 308 weeklies, and 36 monthlies. Eive years 
later the number had increased to 571 — 73 dailies, 411 



EDUCATION AND LITERATURE 201 

weeklies, and 113 monthlies. The total circulation in 
1860 was 6,000,000. The New York Tribune, estab- 
lished by Horace Greeley as a penny paper (1841), first 
used the Atlantic cable to get foreign news. The 
New York Times, famous for helping to destroy the 
Tweed Ring, was established (1851) and edited by 
Henry J. Eaymond. ^Notwithstanding the growth in 
schools and the increase of newspapers, there were 
99,000 illiterates in the state, 68,000, however, being 
foreign-born (1850). 

Literature during the Revolution. — Little of real 
literary merit was produced during the Revolution. 
Dr. Myles Cooper, Rev. Samuel Seabury, and Charles 
Inglis wrote keen, logical pamphlets on the loyalist side. 
Alexander Hamilton and John Jay wrote most of the 
essays in the Federalist in support of the constitution of 
1787. Philip Freneau, the first American poet of 
note, wrote much political prose and verse on the Anti- 
federalist side. Thomas Paine, author of '^ Common 
Sense," closed his life in New York. William Dunlap, 
artist, playwright, and scholar, wrote a History of Xew 
York and some other works. Charles Brockden Brown, 
the earliest romance-writer, published his first novel in 
!^ew York. Lindley Murray produced an English 
Grammar and an English Reader. 

Writers after the Revolution. — In 1806 Washington 
Irving published the first of his many works. He was 
the first American author whose books obtained recog- 
nition abroad. He helped to give New York a place of 
honor in the world of literature. His works, from 
" Salmagundi " and " Knickerbocker's History of New 
York " to the '' Life of Washington,'^ stand among 



202 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

the highest of their class in literature. James Kirke 
Paulding, a friend and co-laborer of Irving, wrote 
about scenes and subjects wholly American. James 
Fenimore Cooper, the first American novelist of dis- 
tinction, gained a world-wide reputation through his 
34 sea-tales and '^ Leather Stocking '' stories. Josepli 
Rodman Drake, remembered for his poems, '' The Cul- 
prit Fay '' and ^^ The American Flag," and Fritz-Greene 
Halleck, author of " Marco Bozzaris,'' were friends of 
Cooper. Other writers remembered for single pieces 
were Samuel Woodworth^ author of " Old Oaken 
Bucket '' ; George Perkins Morris, who wrote ^^ Wood- 
man, Spare that Tree " ; Clement C. Moore, who pro- 
duced '^ A Visit from St. Mcholas " ; Charles Fenno 
Hoffman, known for the song ^^ Sparkling and Bright " 
and the ballad " Monterey '' ; Robert H. Messinger, 
who penned ''Give Me the Old''; William Allen 
Butler, recollected for '' Nothing to Wear "; and John 
Howard Payne of '' Home, Sweet Home " fame. 

Later Writers. — Another resident of [N^ew York of 
recognized ability was I^athaniel Parker Willis, who 
wrote a volume of poems and thirteen volumes of prose. 
Edgar Allan Poe removed to New York in 1838. '' The 
Raven,'' published in 1845, made him famous. His 
poems are veiy beautiful, and his stories are weird and 
fantastic. As time passes his place becomes more as- 
sured among the best American poets. Bayard Taylor 
wrote many books descri]3tive of his foreign travels, 
four novels, and a quantity of poetry. William Cullen 
Bryant, author of '' Thanatopsis," was editor of the 
New York Evening Post and a leader of literary society. 
One of the most popular story-writers forty years ago 



SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS 203 

was Herman Melville, wliose sea-tales are compared to 
those of Cooper. James Macauley wrote the Natural, 
Statistical, and Civil History of the State of Xew York, 
and William Starbuck Mayo wrote two books for boys. 
New York's Position in Literature. — Thus while E"ew 
York was becoming famous through her canals, manu- 
factures, railroads, commerce, and wealth, she was also 
gaining through her literary men an enviable reputa- 
tion both among her sister states and across the sea. 



Chapter XLII. — Social Institutions 

Social Status. — At the close of this period the people 
in all parts of the state were in a better social condition. 
The constitution of 1846 had abolished feudal rights, 
and onlv a few remnants were left. Travel was 
more common now that the fare from Buffalo to 
Albany was reduced from $20 to $6.15 in 1853, 
and similarly on other routes. Provincialism died out in 
consequence. The log-rolling and the barn-raising began 
to disappear, though the party and the dance remained. 
Mass-meetings, political gatherings, and conventions 
were held. Democracy was prevalent in spirit and 
practice. Log houses gave way to comfortable frame or 
brick buildings, and a thousand conveniences unknown 
before were enjoyed in city and country. The indi- 
vidual counted for more than ever in the history of the 
state. 

Morals and Religion. — Increased wealth, a higher in- 
telligence, and a better social plane had their religious 



204 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

and moral effects. There were 4,400 ministers in 1845, 
and five years later 5,000 cliurches. The Roman 
Catholics had the largest nmnber of the 703,000 church- 
members, and then in order came Methodists, Presby- 
terians, Baptists, Episcopalians, Reformed Protestants, 
and Dutch Reformed, with a number of smaller sects. 
These organizations with their private schools and insti- 
tutions of charity, their missionary societies, Sunday- 
schools, and other channels of activity, were a powerful 
factor in pointing the way toward a higher civilization. 

Prison Reforms. — Morals were improving. A law for- 
bade lotteries which had once been used to raise money 
for state, church, and school. N^o one could any longer 
be imprisoned for debt. " The Prison Association " was 
organized (1844) and the Clinton state prison author- 
ized. The humane ^^ Auburn prison system " w^as 
adopted (1821), to be copied over the world. Homes 
for the sick, orphaned, blind, deaf and dumb, insane, 
aged, and other unfortunates were built in various sec- 
tions and endowed by the benevolent rich. In 1850 
there were 10,280 criminals and 60,000 paupers sup- 
ported at a cost of $818,000. Miss Dorothy L. Dix in 
1844 stirred up the second great prison reform. The' 
county poorhouses had become breeders of pauperism 
and " disgraceful monuments of public charity." They 
were reorganized and conducted on different principles. 
Plagues and Disasters. — The state had its plagues and 
disasters. In 1832 the Asiatic cholera appeared. It 
spread all over the state and was especially fatal in the 
cities. In !N"ew York half of the 6,000 persons afflicted 
died, 336 died in Albany, over 100 in Syracuse, and 
many in Utica, Rochester, and Buffalo. The people were 



SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS 205 

greatly frightened. Tliougli bad in itself, the cholera led 
to the creation of a board of health in nearly every city. 
It reappeared in New York City in 1849 and carried 
away 3,000 again, and broke out the third time in 1865, 
but was checked in its ravages. The hygienic reforms 
resulting from the disease led to the removal of a 
dozen '' burying-grounds " to places outside of the city. 
The reform was followed in other cities over the state. 

Great Fires played havoc in the cities owing to the 
wooden buildings and lack of protection against fire. 
The most disastrous were in the metropolis. When 
Washington evacuated the city in 1776, 493 houses had 
been burned. A gas-pipe explosion in 1835 caused the 
burning of 528 houses and the bankruptcy of nearly all 
the fire-insurance companies. This fire occurred in 
freezing winter weather, and the suffering was intense. 
Ten years later 345 buildings, valued at $10,000,000, 
were burned and many merchants and insurance com- 
panies were crippled. The fires were also blessings in a 
way, for old buildings were replaced by brick and 
granite structures, and crooked streets were straight- 
ened. Like the phoenix, a new city grew up out of the 
burnt one. Three weeks after the last fire Mr. Hone 
wrote in his diary that '' fine stores were in process of 
construction amidst smouldering ruins.'' Of course the 
suffering among the poor was very great. Every city in 
the state has had an experience like New York. When 
the Chicago fire took place New York sent $3,000,000 
in goods and money to the suffering. 

Water-supply in New York City. — The cholera led to 
a denunciation of the drinking-water, and the disastrous 
fires caused complaints against the fire departments in 



206 SHORT HI8T0BT OF TUB STATE OF NEW TOMK 

all the large cities, but especially in !N^ew York. These 
expressions of public opinion brought action. In 17T4 
the legislature had given the city permission to issue 
$12,500 in paper money to build a reservoir for supply- 
ing the city with pure water. The Revolution stopped 
the enterprise and left the city too poor to begin it 
again. The '' Tea-water Pump/' a natural fountain, 
supplied the people for a long time. Many had pumps 
in their back yards. As early as 1798 a committee re- 
ported in favor of bringing Bronx River water into the 
city. The project was used by politicians to further their 
own interests. Aaron Burr, then an assemblyman, 
had the Manhattan Company incorporated with the 
especial privilege to run a bank and likewise with the 
right to supply the city of New York with water. A 
well was sunk and water was forced into a reservoir 
fifty feet above Broadway. From there it was dis- 
tributed over the city in wooden pipes. The supply, 
however, was soon inadequate and the quality bad.-^ 
A fire (1828) led to the construction of a big well up- 
town, and a reservoir with iron pipes running through 
the chief streets, but soon the supply was again too 
small. 

Croton Aqueduct. — This condition called attention to 
the Croton River as a source of water, but it was forty 
miles away. A survey was made (1832-3) and the work 
of constructing the Croton aqueduct was authorized. 
The greatest engineering feat in America up to that 
time was completed July 4, 1842, and the great city 

^From this company's charter and operations arose the term 
"watered stock." The Manhattan Company now stands very 
high financially. 



SOOlAL INSTITUTIONS SOT 

had the best of water in abundance. A huge reservoir 
was formed by damming the river, and then a 
granite aqueduct of horseshoe form, 7J feet wide and 
8^ feet high, was built 40J miles long. It rested upon 
114 culverts, ran through more than a mile of tunnels, 
and then across Harlem River, over the " High Bridge,'' 
into the city. It cost $9,000,000. By 1850 over 200 
miles of pipe had been laid in the city, and a reservoir, 
covering 105 acres, had been built in Central Park. 

Celebration. — Well might the people make the com- 
pletion of this grand project a day of civic and martial 
rejoicing. It was to the health and comfort of the city 
what the canal and railroad were to trade and industry. 

Enlargements. — Less than fifty years later the 
city had grown so rapidly that the water-supply was 
once more insufficient. An additional aqueduct was 
built (1885-1890), therefore, from the Croton River to 
the city. By using more tunnels it was made seven 
miles shorter. It is circular and 12 J feet in diameter in 
the tunnels, but elsewhere horseshoe-shaped and about 
IZ^ feet wide and 13 J feet high. The Harlem River 
is passed by an inverted siphon 150 feet below the bed 
of the river. Already tliis supply is inadequate for the 
homes, shops, and streets of the great city. Up to 1868 
nearly $16,000,000 in water-rent had been paid the city. 
The action of I^ew York was copied all over the state 
and elsewhere. 



208 BHORT history of the state of JSfEW TOBK 



V. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1835-1855 

I. Primary Sources 

Hammond, " Political Parties in tlie State of New York." (To 

1842.) 
" A Gazetteer of the State of New York " (1840). 
Holley, " The New York State Register for 1843." 
Gordon, "Gazetteer of the State of New York" (1836). 
Williams, "New York Annual Register" (1835-1840). 
Seward, " Autobiography and Letters of Seward." 3 vols. 
Croswell, " Debates and Proceedings in the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1846." 
State Assembly and Senate Documents. 
Bonney, " Legacy of Historical Gleanings," Vol. II. 
Barber and Howe, " Historical Collections of the State of New 

York." (To 1845.) 
Jenkins, " Lives of the Governors of the State of New York." (To 

1852.) 
Jenkins, " History of Political Parties in the State of New 

York." 
Crockett, " Life of Martin Van Buren." 
Holland, " Life of Martin Van Buren." 
Newspapers. 

Haswell, " Reminiscences of an Octogenarian." 
Child, " Letters from New York." 2 vols. 
Watson, " Annals and Occurrences of New York City and State." 

(To 1846.) 
Hotchkin, " A History of the Purchase and Settlement of Western 

New York." (To 1848.) 
United States Census for 1830, 1840, and 1850. 
New York State Census for 1835, 1845, and 1855. 

2. Secondary Sources 

Lossing, " Empire State," pp. 387-510. 

Randall, " History of New York State." 

Roberts, " New York," II., pp. 562-651. 

Brooks, " Story of New York," pp. 145-219. 

Wilson, " Memorial History of the City of New York," III., pp. 

364-447. 
Lamb, " History of the City of New York," II., pp. 727-768. 
Todd, " Story of the City of New York." 



CERONOLOOICAL SUMMARY 209 

Roosevelt, "New York," pp. 190-201. 

Stiles, " History of the City of Brooklyn." 

Ketchum, " History of Buffalo." 2 vols. 

Bancroft, " Martin Van Buren." 

Shepard, " Martin Van Buren." 

Murray, " The Antirent Episode in the State of New York." 

Historical Magazines. 

Local Histories. 

Cooper, " Satanstoe." 



3. Fiction 



CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 

1836. Black River and Genesee canals authorized. 

1837. Van Buren President. 

" Chenango Canal completed. 
" Financial panic. 

1838. General banking law passed. 

1839. Educational appropriations 
" Seward Governor. 

" Antirent trouble. 

1840. Seward refuses to give up colored fugitives. 
*' Imprisonment for debt abolished. 

" Trouble with Virginia. 

1841. Common-school law amended. 
" Trouble with England. 

" Erie Railroad opened to Goshen. 

1842. Slavery trouble. 

" School commissioners in New York City, 

" Bouck Governor. 

" Croton Aqueduct completed. 

1844. Act passed to enlarge Erie Canal. 
" Antirent difficulties. 

" American party organized. 

" Wright Governor. 

" Constitutional amendments. 

1845. Constitutional Convention called. 
" Antirent war. 

1846. War with Mexico. 

" Third Constitution adopted. 
" Young Governor. 



210 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF JV^Tf tORK 

1847. Free Academy established in New York City, 
*' Mexican War ended. 

1848. Appropriations for canals. 
" Fish Governor. 

" Fillmore Vice-President. 

" New York and New Haven Railroad opened. 

1849. Free-school law passed. 

" Slavery extension condemned. 

1850. Asylum for idiots founded at Syracuse. 
" Fillmore President. 

" Hunt Governor. 

1851. Free-school law modified. 

1852. Seymour Governor. 

1853. State Agricultural and Scientific College founded. 
" Kailroad laws passed. 

1854. People vote to enlarge canals. 
" Clark Governor. 

1855. Prohibition law passed. 
" Slavery denounced. 



lY. CIVIL WAR AND POLITICS 

Chapter XLIII. — Fall of the Whig Party 

The Presidential Campaign of 1848 in N^ew York was 
based upon personal and factional feelings and also upon 
the questions of the annexation of Texas and the exten- 
sion of slavery. Yan Buren and Wright joined the Whigs 
in opposing the spread of slavery, while some of the con- 
servative Whigs united with the Democrats in denounc- 
ing opposition to an institution upheld by public law. 
"New York objected to the introduction of slavery into 
territory received from Mexico. The legislature upheld 
the Wilmot proviso almost unanimously, and all of the 
New York congressmen but one voted for it. Both 
" Hunkers " and " Barnburners " sent a set of delegates 
to the national Democratic convention at Baltimore, but 
neither set was allowed to vote. The choice of Cass and 
Butler angered the radicals of ^N'ew York, so they held a 
state convention and nominated Yan Buren (May 22). 
The Whigs nominated General Taylor and Millard Fill- 
more at Philadelphia (June 7). The dissatisfied Free-soil 
Whigs met at Buffalo and nominated Yan Buren and 
Charles Francis Adams. 

The Liberty Party also convened at Buffalo (Jan.), 
and named Gerrit Smith for President. It denounced 

211 



212 SHORT HISTOMY OF THE STATE OF NEW TOltK 

slavery as sinful and asked the national government to 
abolish it. Smith, a native of Kew York, was a wealthy 
business man, a reformer, philanthropist, and one of the 
first abolitionists. Later he gave freely to make Kansas 
a free state, and John Brown used his money. He played 
a prominent part in the Civil War, and, at its close, 
with Horace Greeley went bail for Jefferson Davis. 

New York's Second President. — Again Kew York's 
electoral vote decided the national election, but this 
time in favor of the Whig candidates. The death of 
President Taylor (July 9, 1850) gave Fillmore the 
office, and the Empire State had a second President. 
The division of the Democrats in the state allowed the 
Whigs to elect Hamilton Pish governor over John A. 
Dix. Pish Avas w^ell educated, wealthy, of high social 
position, trusted for his prudence and good judgment, 
and an experienced statesman. After three years' ser- 
vice as governor he was made United States senator, 
and ended his official career as Secretary of State under 
Grant (1869-1877). The Liberty Party urged the 
election of William Goodell as governor. 

Fugitive-slave Law. — Pillmore's term was full of ex- 
citing events. The compromise of 1850 settled for a 
time the question of free and slave territory. The Fugi- 
tive-slave Law was enforced and threats of secession sub- 
sided. New York City was made the headquarters for 
agents of futile filibustering expeditions against Cuba. 
Soon the struggle over Kansas and !N^ebraska was to 
appear, and with it the forerunners of civil war. The 
first arrest under the Fugitive-slave Law took place in 
]N'ew York City (1850). James Hamlet, a slave from 
Baltimore, w^as torn away from his family and returned 



FALL OF THE WHIG PARTY 213 

to his owner. The negroes in the north were wild with 
fear, and the whites were very indignant. The blacks 
held meetings and prayed the whites to repeal the law. 
A mass-meeting at Syracuse denounced the law and 
pledged aid to slaves in resisting it. Ministers like 
Beecher and Storrs said that it violated God's law, and 
editorials against it appeared in the newspapers. 

The Famous ** Jerry Rescue" occurred in Svracuse 
(Oct., 1851). An escaped slave, Jerry McHenry, who 
had lived there several years as a cooper, was seized and 
carried before the United States commissioner. During 
the trial Jerry ran out of the room. He was caught, 
however, and after a fierce struggle brought back. 
Public sentiment was aroused by this time, and a mob 
led by Gerrit Smith and Kev. Samuel J. May broke into 
the court-room, rescued the negro and smuggled him 
safely to Canada. Eighteen of the party were arrested, 
but never tried. 

Hunt and Seymour. — The continued division in the 
Democratic ranks gave the Whigs another governor in 
1850 — Washington Hunt^ a self-made man, who had 
held national and state offices. Horatio Seymour w^as the 
Democratic candidate, and in a second contest beat 
Hunt (1852). Seymour was a man of wealth, liberally 
educated, a disciple of Marcy, and a powerful political 
leader for many years. He was l^ew York's famous war 
governor, and in 1868 he was the Democratic candidate 
for President. Few men have had their party's con- 
fidence sufficiently to be named five times for the 
highest office in the state and once in the nation. He 
was a champion of the canals and was called the " Henry 
Clay of New York." 



214 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

The Whig Party by 1852 was hopelessly wrecked be- 
cause it was unable to cope with the new national issues. 
The Free-soil Whigs, led by Seward, now United States 
senator, refused to help perpetuate slavery. The con- 
servative AVhigs admitted the legality of slavery, and 
contended that nature would prevent the extension of 
slavery in the regions acquired through the Mexican 
War. The national Whig convention nominated Gen- 
eral Winileld Scott for President, although Fillmore 
made a forlorn struggle. Marcy hoped to be named by 
the Democrats, but failed because of the opposition of 
Daniel S. Dickinson and the factional fight in ^ew 
York. Franklin Pierce was nominated and elected 
(1852). 

Slavery and Temperance. — The state campaign of 
1854 was a very significant one. Old parties were break- 
ing up and new ones were forming. Slavery and tem- 
perance were the issues. It was a campaign of morality. 
The extensive use of intoxicating liquors was charac- 
teristic of New York as a colony and a state. Drinking 
was a social custom recognized by all, even the minis- 
ters. Drunkenness was common, but the belief was 
early formed that it was hurtful and wicked. This idea 
led to the first '' Temperance Society " in the state at 
Moreau, Saratoga county, in 1808. The Rev. Libbius 
Armstrong was the founder. The organization spread 
so rapidly that in 1833 there were 230,000 members in 
the state and 1,500,000 in the nation. In Albany alone 
there were 14 societies with 4,164 members out of a pop- 
ulation of 26,000 (1832). 

Temperance Legislation. — The order was non-political 
at first and forced the national government to stop giv- 



FALL OF THE WHIG PARTY 215 

ing liquor rations to sailors and soldiers. The first tem- 
perance law in the state was one forbidding the employ- 
ment by stage companies of drivers who drank liquor. 
After Maine's prohibition law (1851) the sentiment be- 
came so strong in New York that in 1854 the legislature 
passed a similar law. Governor Seymour vetoed it, 
however, upon the ground of its unconstitutionality in 
violating the rights of citizens. The veto aroused in- 
tense excitement. In a message to the people the gov- 
ernor discussed both the illegality and the policy of pro- 
hibition. He was denounced from the stump and the 
pulpit and by the press. At last the question was 
brought before the people as a leading political issue in 
the approaching election. 

Election of Governor Clark. — The Democrats renomi- 
nated Governor Seymour. The American Party, or 
Know-nothings, holding secret meetings all over the 
state to keep political offices for native Americans, 
named Daniel Ullman. Myron H. Clark was supported 
by the Whigs and indorsed by the State Temperance 
Convention and the Free-soil Democrats. He was thus 
a fusion candidate of those elements which later united 
to form the Republican party. He was the last Whig 
nominated to a state office in I^ew York and the first 
Republican officer in the nation. His majority over 
Sevmour was onlv 309. He was a man of strong char- 
acter and great ability. He had held many offices in the 
state. He labored for a popular two-cent fare on the 
iN'ew York Central Railroad, in behalf of the cause of 
temperance, and for the abolition of slavery. 

Prohibition Act. — The new legislature was in harmony 
with the governor and passed " An act for the preven- 



216 SHOBT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TOBK 

tion of intemperance, pauperism, and crime " (April 9, 
1855). This measure prohibited the use of liquors ex- 
cept for mechanical, chemical, or medicinal purposes. It 
was a rigid law and at once gave rise to many lawsuits. 
Finally it was carried to the court of appeals, where a 
bare majority decided it to be unconstitutional (March, 
1856). The next year harsh license-laws were passed 
to regulate the liquor traffic, and the excitement 
abated. Various laws have been passed since that day 
to regulate intemperance. 



Chapter XLIV. — Sla\t:ry m New York 

Slaves in New York.— Indian slavery paved the way 
for the introduction of African slavery into l^ew York. 
The Dutch brought negro slaves to 'Ne^y l^etherland in 
1626. In spite of the grand ideas of 1776 there were 
33,300 slaves in 'New York in 1800. Ten years later 
the number was reduced to 15,000, and in another dec- 
ade to 10,000. In 1830 the number had fallen to 75, 
and in 1840 to 4. Thus for more than two centuries 
slavery was a legal institution in l^ew York. 

Western New York. — Slaves were owned all over the 
state, even in the western part. A run-away slav« 
founded Paris (1789). Slave-sales were common in 
Utica, and the last one took place in 1817. Robert S. 
Rose, a Virginian, settled in Seneca county with 40 
slaves (1803), and Captain Helm brought 100 with him. 
There were a few slaves at Auburn, and in Cherry 
Valley they were common till 1825. Oneida county 



SLAVERY IN NEW TORE 217 

had 9 slaves (1820), and Onondaga 59 (1823). Cruel 
treatment was not common, however. 

The Slave-traffic. — In the early days and occasion- 
ally later the blacks were advertised for sale or for 
rent. The old newspapers are full of such notices. 
" A parcel of likely young slaves, men, women, and 
boys,'' was offered for sale (1762). In 1664 a minister 
bought a slave for $175, and some of the slaves con- 
fiscated from Loyalists during the Kevolution sold for 
$1,000 in paper money. Although the slave-trade was 
abolished in 1808, still slaves were smuggled into IN'ew 
York City. All the great families owned slaves before 
and after the Revolution. 

The Abolition of Slavery was early advocated in j^ew 
York. Until that was done John Jay said that the 
prayers of New York would '' be impious.'' In 1799 
slavery was provisionally abolished, 28 years of owner- 
ship being given over those born in slavery. The act 
of 1817 declared all slaves born before 1799 free after 
1827. New York now stood for human freedom. The 
Quakers of New York City and the sons of John Jay 
deserve most credit for this action. It w^as not until 
after the Civil War that the negro was granted full 
political equality. To free him was one thing, to give 
him a vote quite another. 

Antislavery Ideas gave birth to organizations to 
overthrow the hated social system. State and county 
societies followed the American Antislavery Society 
(1833). Antislavery literature was issued, paid lectur- 
ers w^ere sent out to create public sentiment, and petition 
after petition was sent to Congress. The State Society 
met first in 1835 at Utica, but a mob including some of 



218 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

the best citizens hooted the 600 delegates out of the 
city. The Genesee County Society was also routed by 
a mob (1836). Governor Marcy denounced the aboli- 
tionists in his message as tending to foment sectional 
jealousies (Jan., 1836). The Western New York Anti- 
slavery Society met at Warsaw and nominated for Presi- 
dent James G. Birney. The Abolitionist party was 
formed, and existed until merged into the great Repub- 
lican party. 

New York Freed her Slaves when the institution was 
becoming the most important question in national 
affairs. Gradually the people took a firm stand against 
the spread of slavery. They opposed the admission of 
Missouri as a slave state. They disfavored Texan an- 
nexation and denounced the resulting war, though w^hen 
war was once declared no state gave men and money 
more loyally. They objected to the compromise of 
1850, which extended slavery to western territory and 
forced free states to return runaway slaves to their 
masters. They denounced the Dred Scott decision 
which committed the Supreme Court to the validity of 
slavery in all the territories until changed by the states. 
They watched with great eagerness the contest over 
Kansas and Nebraska. Still they were disposed to let 
slaverv alone in the states where it existed. 

Kepublican Party Formed. — National parties soon 
formed on this issue. Seward had suggested the Repub- 
lican party in 1855, and the next year it was definitely or- 
ganized. It was an amalgamation of Whigs, Democrats, 
and several other factions. It stood for a liberal inter- 
pretation of the powers of the national government 
about slavery, a protective tariff, and a national bank. It 



SLAVERY IN NEW YORK 219 

demanded that Congress restrict slavery to slave states. 
It met in a national convention at Philadelpliia and 
nominated John C. Fremont and William L. Day- 
ton (June 17, 1856). The Know-nothings had held 
their convention in the same city, and had chosen 
Fillmore as their candidate (Feb. 22), and he was in- 
dorsed by the Whigs at Baltimore (Sept. 17). The 
Democrats at Cincinnati named James Buchanan and 
John C. Breckinridge (June 2), and they were elected 
by a large majority. In ^ew York, however, Buchanan 
received 80,000 votes less than Fremont, but 70,000 
more than Fillmore. By more than 400,000 ballots [N'ew 
York disapproved of Buchanan and his platform. In the 
state election the Republicans had an easy victory. 
John A. King defeated Amasa J. Parker and Erastus 
Brooks for governor. 

Panic of 1857. — The growth and expansion of New 
York was rapid and in all directions, but still for the 
most part steady and normal since the panic of 1837. 
So great were the resources of the state that the panic 
of 1857 did comparatively little damage. Ships came 
and went, factory wheels hummed, railroads and canals 
were busy, and all kinds of business thrived. 

New York against Slavery Extension. — After the 
election of Buchanan the voice of New York was raised 
continually against the extension of slavery to new soil. 
The press, the pulpit, and the state government re- 
flected the people's will. It was a clear contest for 
principle against business interests. New York de- 
pended greatly upon the south for trade by sea and land. 
Her factories, insurance companies, newspapers, and 
wholesale houses demanded friendly relations with the 



220 SirOBT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF XEW TOBK 

south at anv price. But the people's cousciences led 
them to refuse to sacrifice right for gaiu. 

State Politics. — While Buchanan's administration was 
carrying out its timid, mistaken policy, the people of 
this section were making a record in state matters. To 
succeed Governor King, Edwin D. Morgan Avas elected, 
defeating the nominees of the Democrats, Americans, 
and Abolitionists (1S5S). Morgan was born in Mas- 
sachusetts (ISll), but grew up in Xew^ York, where he 
made a fortune as a wholesale grocer. At the outbreak 
of civil war he was in the executive chair and ren- 
dered invaluable service to the nation by organizing 
492,000 soldiers. He was governor till 1862, and the 
next vear Avas elected United States senator. In 1877 
he was again the Eepublican candidate for governor, but 
was defeated. 

National Issues. — State issues were soon lost in 
national questions. All eyes were on the struggle 
over Kansas. John Brown, a native of Connecticut, a 
resident of the " John Brown tract '' in Kew York, a 
fisrhtin^r abolitionist, led a crusade into Kansas and was 
forced to flee from there charged with murder. With a 
few desperate followers he went to Harper's Ferry, 
Maryland, to make war upon slavery (1859). Most of 
his comrades were shot in the fight which resulted, and 
he with a few others was taken prisoner, tried, and 
hanged by the state of Virginia (Dec. 2). His body 
now lies buried at Xorth Elba, Essex county, X. Y. In 
the summer of 1899 the remains of seven of his asso- 
ciates were placed by his side amid impressive cere- 
monies. 
In the Presidential Election of 1860 sectional hostil- 



SLAVERY m NEW YORK 221 

ity reached its climax. The Democrats split into a 
northern and southern wing on the question of slavery. 
The southerners seceded from the national convention 
held at Charleston, met at Richmond, and nominated 
John C. Breckinridge (June 28). The northerners ad- 
journed to Baltimore and chose Stephen A. Douglas as 
their candidate (June 18). The Americans named John 
Bell at Baltimore (May 19). The Republicans met at 
Chicago (May 16). Seward, the father of the party, 
was the most prominent candidate. He was aided by 
Thurlow Weed, editor of the Albany Journal and the 
most skillful politician of his age, and Horace Greeley, 
editor of the Neio York Tribune. For some vears this 
triumvirate had controlled Xew York politics. 

Greeley Defeats Seward. — Seward was backed for the 
nomination by a solid delegation from his own state. 
But Greeley suddenly deserted his friend and at Chicago 
worked against him. He accused Seward of selling city 
franchises for campaign funds. This, with personal 
hatreds, defeated Seward and led to the selection of 
Abraham Lincoln. Seward was disappointed, but did 
all in his power to elect Lincoln and thus have 
his own principles triumph. The Republican candi- 
dates received a majority of the electoral college, but no 
candidate got a majority of the popular vote. Xew 
York gave Lincoln a majority of 50,000. Seward, as 
Lincoln's Secretary of State, labored for the success of 
his party and won for himself a name among America's 
most distinguished patriots and statesmen. 



222 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



Chapter XLV. — I^ew York and the Civil War 

Threats of Secession. — During the campaign of 1860 
a few hot-headed southern politicians declared that if 
the " black Republicans " elected Lincoln they would 
secede. These threats had no effect on the people 
whose conscience was stirred so deeply. Lincoln once 
elected, the calmer northern statesmen sought to quiet 
the south. E^ewspapers urged moderation. I^Tew York 
especially was desirous of averting war. She extended 
a friendly hand to Senator Crittenden, who fathered a 
compromise in vain. She warmly accepted Virginia's 
invitation to send delegates to the peace conference at 
Washington (Feb. 4, 1861). Mass-meetings were held 
over the state to avert war and to preserve an honorable 
peace. Wealthy merchants, manufacturers, and traders 
did all within their power to avoid the conflict. But 
the day of compromise was past. The nation could not 
endure ^' half slave and half free." 

Activity of New York. — South Carolina seceded 
(.Dec. 20, 1860), followed by six other states within 
forty days. Lincoln denied the right of secession. All 
peace efforts failed. The Confederate States of America 
were formed. Fort Sumter was taken (April 14). 
The gun of a E'ew York boy. Captain Abner Doubleday, 
first answered the southern attack and spoke the mind 
of the north. The flag was shot down by the Confeder- 
ates. New York's first volunteer, Peter Hart, recklessly 
seized it and nailed it to the staff amid missiles of death 
and cheers. Daniel Hough, killed by the explosion of a 



l^BW YORK AND THE CIVIL WAR 22^ 

gun, the first martyr to the Union, was a Xew- Yorker. 
Party lines faded away in defense of the nation's life. 
The masses of the north clamored for arms, leaders, and 
organization to bring the south back to law and order at 
the bayonet's point. The President called for 75,000 
troops (April 15), and the Civil War had begun 
in earnest. " The Union Defense Committee," organ- 
ized in New York City with John A. Dix as chairman, 
sent 7,000 men within ten days to answer Lincoln's call. 
Later it helped to organize forty-nine regiments of 40,- 
000 men. Other cities took like action. The legisla- 
ture almost unanimously offered the President men and 
money to uphold the nation's integrity (Jan. 11). 

Opposition to the War. — A respectable minority, 
however, found mostly in the cities, sent memorials to 
Congress and held mass-meetings to avert hostilities. 
At a big gathering in the metropolis, attended and ad- 
dressed by men of both parties, three commissioners 
were sent south to " restore the peace and integrity of 
the Union '^ (Jan. 28). In another noted meeting at 
Albany, Judge Amasa J. Parker presided and urged 
compromise. Ex-Governor Seymour asked whether 
" successful coercion by the north is less revolutionary 
than successful secession by the south." " If a revolu- 
tion by force is to begin," said another speaker, " it shall 
be inaugurated at home." At Utica, Syracuse, Roches- 
ter, Buffalo, and elsewhere these southern sympathizers 
held meetings. Some of the leaders were imprisoned 
and a few New York City newspapers were forced to 
raise the stars and stripes. A delegation from Brooklyn 
and New York, moved by a generous spirit, carried a 
petition signed by 40,000 citizens to Seward urging him 



224 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF N'EW YORK 

to persuade Congress to concede such terms to the 
south as would bring her back into the Union. 

Loyalty of the State Government.— The state gov- 
ernment, voicing the majority in the state, acted without 
fear or delay. Lincoln asked I^ew York for 13,000 men 
for three months, and she voted $3,000,000 and 30,000 
men for two years. By July 1 she had enlisted 46,700 
men, and in six months more 120,000 men. The empty 
state arsenals were equipped with 19,000 rifles. Wealthy 
men loaned the government $210,000,000 of the $260,- 
000,000 asked for by Congress. When the campaign 
of 1862 closed 250,000 of I^ew York's sons were on the 
battle-fields of nine southern states. The people were 
fired with patriotism. ^Nearly every home had a hero in 
the army. Boys ran away and overstated their ages to 
enlist. Companies were formed and drilled every- 
where. Little else was talked of in schools, churches, 
and social gatherings. Sisters, wives, and mothers made 
flags and clothing for the soldiers. Men left the shop, 
the desk, the schoolroom, and the pulpit to uphold the 
Union. Heroism was not dead in ]^ew York. 

The State Election of 1861 was of unusual interest. 
Local issues were dropped out of sight. The Repub- 
licans rallied all who supported the w^ar against disunion, 
and elected their candidates by over 100,000 majority. 
Then reaction set in. The first glow of patriotism sub- 
sided. The conduct of the w^ar was criticised. The 
burdens of taxation, the depressed trade, and high prices 
led to discontent and restlessness. The south had de- 
feated the north at Bull Run. General McClellan was 
retreating. Those who looked for a short, decisive, 
easy victory were losing heart. Even Lincoln's promise 



2fEW TORK AND THE CIVIL WAR 225 

of emancipation (Sept. 22) only increased tlie doubt and 
fear. The new draft, ordered on the eve of election, 
embittered many. This change of feeling and the loss 
of the soldier vote led to the election of Seymour for 
governor over General James S. Wadsworth by 10,752 
majority (Kov., 1862). 

Conduct of the War Denounced. — Thus the people 
showed their distrust in the conduct of the war, though 
not in the justice of the war itself. The " peace-at- 
any-price " men were jubilant. Seymour denounced 
the Kepublican management of the war, and most bit- 
terly assailed the plan for freeing and arming the slaves 
as one " for the butchery of women and children, for 
scenes of lust and rapine, of arson and murder, un- 
paralleled in the history of the world." But he favored 
war to preserve the Union. This was the feeling of 
thousands of other honest citizens. 

Position of Governor Seymour. — By 1862 the de- 
mand for recruits in Xew York could not be met by 
voluntary enlistment. The draft helped elect Seymour, 
but, once in office, he had to enforce it — a hard task for 
him. He boldly said that Xew York had not received 
due credit for her men, and hinted that, being Demo- 
cratic, a heavier quota was assigned her. Finally the 
draft began (July 11, 1863). The first day passed 
quietly, but there were signs of danger ahead. A mob 
was organizing to resist the draft. 

Mob Material. — From the days of Leisler's Rebellion 
to the present time, New York City, like all large cities, 
has had an element that could easily be incited to acts 
of violence by wily leaders. There were the negro 
riots of 1712 and 1741, the Stamp Act riot of 1765, the 



226 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

doctors' riot of 1788, the election riots of 1834, the 
abolition riots of 1834 and 1835, the flonr riot of 1837, 
the actors' riot of 1849, the police riot, '' dead rabbit " 
riot, and bread riot of 1857, the draft riots of 1863, the 
Orange riots of 1870, and numerous labor riots since. 

Draft Riots. — Evil conspirators, guided by southern 
leaders, planned an outbreak for July 4, 1863, but it was 
impossible under the show of loyalty after Yicksburg 
and Gettysburg. The leaders and a few newspapers 
shrewdly kept the pot of discontent bubbling until the 
reckless, lawless mob broke forth in wanton fury 
(July 13). A crowd of disloyalists, both honest and 
rascally, aided by criminals and vagabonds, surrounded 
the provost-marshal's office at the corner of Third 
avenue and Fortv-sixth street, where the draft was 
being made. First a mndow was broken, then the 
officers were stoned, and finally the mob rushed into the 
room, smashed the furniture, and destroyed the papers. 
To complete the savage act, the building was burned and 
the police and firemen prevented from stopping the 
flames. 

Ravages of the Mob. — This was the beginning of a 
wild scene of murder and arson. The rioters, gloating 
over their first victory, scattered over the city and all 
day and night looted, burned, assaulted, and murdered. 
The armory on Second avenue was captured and burned 
and the arms seized. The draft office at Broadway and 
Twenty-eighth street was sacked and the whole block 
fired. The Neiv York Tribune's business office Avas 
broken to j)ieces and the building saved only by a dash 
of the police. Colored men, women, and children were 
abused, beaten, and killed. The asylum for negro chil- 



WORK OF THE EMPIRE STATE IN THE CIVIL WAR 22Y 

dren was burned and the inmates abused. Black waiters 
w^ere driven ont of hotels and restaurants. 

Riots duelled. — For forty-eight hours the rioters held 
fearful sway. The police fought bravely with the mad 
thousands. General John E. AVool called upon the old 
soldiers to help quell the riots. Governor Seymour 
hastened to the city, proclaimed that '^ riotous proceed- 
ings must be put down/' declared the city to be in a 
state of insurrection, and ordered the harshest measures 
to be used. The best citizens upheld him. Business 
had ceased, stores were closed, street-cars were not run- 
ning. Loyal citizens began to organize. The national 
government sent forces to stop the riot. Archbishop 
Hughes pleaded with the Irish Catholics to uphold the 
law. After three days of carnage Mayor Opdyke an- 
nounced that lawlessness had ceased. Seymour es- 
timated the loss at 1,000 lives and $2,000,000 in prop- 
erty. The example of the E'ew York mob in resisting 
the draft was followed elsewhere in the state. Little 
damage was done, however. 



Chapter XLYI. — The Woek of the Empire State 

IN the Civil War 

Election of 1864. — The state and national elections 
stirred all hearts in New York. The progress of the 
war and the nation's future depended upon the results. 
There were fears of fraud and violence. General Dix 
warned rebel agents in Canada not to try to influence 
the election. All southerners in the north were regis- 



228 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tered and watched by detectives. Democrats denounced 
these measures as violating personal rights. Troops were 
sent to the northern frontier and the wiklest rumors 
were afloat. Governor Seymour pleaded for the united 
action of all good men '^ to avoid all measures tending to 
strife and disorder." Peace and quiet reigned on elec- 
tion-day. Lincoln electors in ^ew York were chosen 
over those of McClellan by only 6,749 votes, while 
Reuben E. Fenton was elected governor over Seymour 
by 8,293 majority. By an amendment to the constitu- 
tion (March, 1864) the soldiers were allow^ed to vote, 
and probably decided the result. The method of voting 
was questionable, however, and some ofiicers were 
f oimd guilty of fraud and punished. 

Governor Fenton, of illustrious descent, was a farmer's 
boy who made a fortune as a lumber merchant. He 
upheld Lincoln's Adgorous war policy, and in 1866 was 
re-elected. His rule was also noted for its defense of 
the people's rights against railroads, and by the improve- 
ment of city government in the state. He was elected 
to the LTnited States senate, and served the state in a 
distinguished way for six years (1869). He died at 
Jamestown (Aug. 25, 1885). 

Rebel Plots. — Reports of conspiracies to murder great 
men, to burn villages and cities, and to incite mobs w^ere 
rampant in l^ew York. Most of them were imagina- 
tions, but others were true. The draft riots looked like 
part of a conspiracy to help the south. Later a number 
of hotels were set on fire (^ov. 25, 1864). Robert Ken- 
nedy confessed that he was one of eight who had sworn 
to set thirty-two fires to retaliate for the acts of Union 
troops in the Shenandoah Valley. These conspirators 



WOBK OF THE EMPIRE STATE IN THE CIVIL WAR 229 

had come from Canada, and were to go soiitli after com- 
pleting their work. With the collapse of the Confed- 
eracy after 1864 these plots ceased. 

Draft in New York. — Governor Seymour's protest 
against the draft in Xew York resulted in a revision of 
the lists and other changes. New York's apportion- 
ment w^as reduced 13,000. The draft over the state was 
disappointing. Of 77,862 persons called 53,109 were 
released for disability, 14,073 paid the fine for exemp- 
tion, 6,619 furnished substitutes, and only 2,557 entered 
service. Still in 1863 about 50,000 volunteers w^ent to 
the front from ]N^ew York. The next year liberal state 
and county bounties induced 204,105 to enlist — an ex- 
cess of 5,301 over the requisition. 

The Southern Sympathizers, or " Copperheads," were 
still numerous, and many good citizens opposed the ex- 
treme war measures. Meetings were also held over the 
state. At Albanv Sevmour declared that half of the 
loyal states questioned whether the war was "" waged to 
put down rebellion at the south or to destroy free insti- 
tutions at the north." But these meetings were more 
than counteracted by loyal ones pledging unlimited sup- 
port to suppress rebellion and to preserve the Union. 

The Assassination of Lincoln and the attack on Sew- 
ard gave the people of New York a great shock. An 
hour after the sad new^s was received houses and places 
of business were draped in black. A great, solemn 
gathering was held in the metropolis, and a committee of 
thirteen was sent to Washington to express the city's 
grief. The same sorrow was felt over the state. The 
funeral train on its way to Illinois passed over the ISTew 
York Central Railroad from east to west. George Ban- 



230 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

croft, the historian, delivered a funeral oration, and 
William Cnllen Bryant a eulogy on the dead President. 
The people mourned his loss as they would that of a 
father. 

New York's Officers. — That 'New York took a leading 
part in the Civil War is shown by her list of valiant 
officers. They were men, of brains and bravery. 
Among the generals were Daniel Butterfield, the hero 
of Resaca, the gallant James S. Wadsworth, who fell at 
the Wilderness^ Phil Kearny, who died at Chantilly, 
Daniel E. Sickles, Benjamin F. Tracy, and Henry W. 
Slocum, so prominent in politics since the war, and 
Floyd, Webb, Morrell, Sumner, Barlow, Barnum, 
Jacobs, Sharpe, J^agle, Townsend, Strong, Stewart, 
Cochrane, Dodge, and others. Scarcely less prominent 
were scores of under-officers. No state can boast of a 
nobler list. 

West Point Monument. — At historic West Point, 
where many of the brave army officers of the nation 
have been educated since 1802, a battle monument was 
erected May 30, 1897, in memory of the gallant soldiers 
who fell in the Civil War. On this granite shaft 46 feet 
high are recorded the names of 2,042 privates and 788 
officers. This was New York's sacrifice in blood upon 
the altar of the Union. General John M. Wilson pre- 
sented the monument to the national army and govern- 
ment, and General John M. Schofield and the Secretary 
of War accepted it. 

The Statesmen had as hard a battle to fight as the sol- 
diers. They waged the contest of diplomacy, of taxation, 
of enlisting and paying men, of quelling riots, and of 
conducting the government. Seward, senator when the 



WOEK OF THE EMPIRE STATE IN'TIJE CIVIL WAR 231 

war broke out, and Secretary of State under Lincoln, 
was dealing giant blows for the Union. Preston King 
and Edwin D. Morgan represented New York in the 
Senate. Such men as Roscoe Conkling, William A. 
Wheeler, Charles B. Sedgwick, James Brooks, and 
John A. Griswold w^ere in the House of Representa- 
tives. Morgan, Seymour, and Fenton were good gov- 
ernors in these trvins^ times, and manv illustrious men 
were in the state senate and assembly during this criti- 
cal period of our history. 

Activity of New-Yorkers. — General John A. Dix 
directed the first successful military movement of the 
war (July, 1861). Captain Allan Rutherford issued the 
first call for volunteers (Jan. 11, 1861). General John 
Cochrane first publicly urged the arming of slaves. A 
ISTew-Yorker fired the first gun for the Union. The 
boys in blue from this state turned the tide at Gettys- 
burg and formed over one-third of the Union army. 
More than a quarter of the medals of honor given by the 
War Department went to New York boys. The first 
Confederate flag was captured by the daring Ellsworth 
at Alexandria, Va. New York lost 33,000 soldiers and 
1,100 commissioned officers. Of the 270,000 soldiers 
taken prisoner during the war 46,000, or over one-sixth, 
were from New York, and more than 5,500 of them 
died in southern prisons. 

Loyalty of Professional and Business Men. — Promi- 
nent ministers of all sects in the state acted as chap- 
lains, and some even served in the ranks. The doctors 
deserted paying practices and college halls to care for 
the sick and wounded. The lawyers Avere no less patri- 
otic. The bar of New York City at once voted $30,000 



/ 



232 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

to raise troops (April 22, 1861). Men like Wliitelaw 
Reid, Edmund C. Stedman, George ^Y. Smalley, and 
Henry Yillard represented the press on the battle-field. 
Merchants and bankers bought the first United States 
bonds, proposed the greenback system, and suggested 
the national banking law. The first private gift came 
from Colonel John Jacob Astor, and it was followed by 
scores of others. 

Woman's Relief Association. — The charitable work of 
this state was second to none. The New York women 
were no less patriotic than the men. They could not 
bear arms and fight in the field, but they could nurse the 
sick, care for the wounded, and make supplies for the 
well. The great mass-meeting of 3,000 women in Coo- 
j)er Union was held to devise means to aid the disabled 
soldiers and to comfort sorrowing relatives. From all 
spheres of life went forward women to the fields of ac- 
tion as angels of mercy. The " Woman's Central Relief 
Association " was organized to do active Avork in hos- 
pitals and on the battle-field. New York City was the 
headquarters. Thousands of wounded soldiers owed 
their lives to these women of Xew York. 

" The American Sanitary Commission " (June 9, 1861), 
which watched over the purity and comfort of camps 
and hospitals, Avas due in large part to the benevolent 
spirit of New York women. Branches were established 
in all the states. New York City was the headquarters. 
This was followed by the " Allotment Commission," to 
send the pay of soldiers home to their families, and the 
" Christian Commission," to guard the spiritual welfare 
of the bovs in blue. John F. Sevmour was made a 
general agent to watch over the New York soldiers in 



WOBK OF THE EMPIRE STATE IN THE CIVIL WAR 233 

the field. He appointed special surgeons and nurses, 
distributed comforts to the soldiers, and gave them per- 
sonal attention and sympathy. Many local organiza- 
tions, unknown to the world up to that time, helped 
complete the work. 

The Masses of the People, the children, women, 
working men, old men, and business and professional 
men, kept the homes sw^eet ; ran the shop, store, factory, 
and farm; sent love and comfort to homesick sailors and 
soldiers ; and supplied food, clothing, and war materials. 
It was an heroic struggle, and to-day it is commemo- 
rated in many a song, poem, book, statue, building, 
tablet, and organization. It is thus nations remember 
their periods of heroism. New York may w^ell be proud 
of her record as a part of the great nation in the 
struggle for a united democracy. 

Cost to New York. — I^ew York need not be ashamed 
of her part in the Civil War. She sent to the field and 
navy 475,000 men — one-fifth of all the troops sent out 
to save the Union, and one-eighth of the whole popula- 
tion in the state. Over 4,000 were colored troops. So 
great was the drain that the census of 1865 showed a 
decrease in population of about 50,000 as compared 
with 1860. The state paid almost $87,000,000 in 
bounties. New York City furnished 116,000 men at a 
cost of $14,500,000, and Brooklyn sent forth 35,000— 
a larger number in proportion to population than 
Boston. 

New York's Gallant Troops showed patriotic devotion 
equal to any on the field of battle. Her brave sailors 
withstood the terrors of wind and storm, and shot 
and shell. Ericsson, an adopted son of New York, built 



234 SHORT HTSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

the famous ^' Monitor," the " cheese-box on a raft/' 
and was backed by rich citizens. Every loyal army heard 
the victorious shout and dying sigh of some son of New 
York, and every battle-field was moistened with his 
blood. 



Chapter XLVII. — ^iNorsTEiAL Condition 

The Fenian Movement. — After the rebellion was 
quelled thousands of soldiers returned to the tasks 
of peace. New York had no trouble with these rough 
warriors save the attempted invasion of Canada by the 
Irish. This was part of the Fenian movement against 
England. The fire of war was still in the hearts of the 
Irish soldiers when they planned to seize Canada. Arms 
Avere sent to the border and 1,500 men crossed Niagara 
Kiver (June 1, 1866), took Fort Erie, and defeated the 
Canadians at Ridgeway. But they returned to New 
York during the night, and two prisoners were saved 
from death only by the intervention of the United 
States. The leaders quarreled and the invasion stopped, 
though it was some time before the excitement died 
down on the northern boundary. 

Results of the War.— The Civil War killed state 
sovereignty and made the nation supreme. It led to the 
abolition of slavery by the XIII. Amendment (Dec. 18, 
1865). It gave the negro citizenship and the protection 
of law by the XIV. Amendment (July 28, 1868), and it 
enfranchised him by the XV. Amendment (March 30, 
1870). These amendments were all ratified by New 
York, The state had never removed the property 



iNDusrraAL condition 235 

qualification of $250 put upon negroes in 1822, though 
repeated efforts had been made to do so. Hence the 
nation and not the commonwealth gave the black man 
equal political rights in New York. 

Peace and Prosperity Followed on the heels of war in 
the Empire State. The channels of trade opened with 
renewed vigor. Commerce sprang into new life. Local 
factories and all kinds of industries soon employed 
"thousands. The shop, farm, and store were thriving as 
in the past. People invested money in all kinds of busi- 
ness enterprises. The new industrial life demanded 
new railroads, telegraph lines, and canals. The state 
was entering upon an era of prosperity unknown in the 
past and scarcely dreamed for the future. 

Population. — In the face of a bloody and costly war, 
the state steadily increased in population from 1855 to 
1875. Her people now numbered 4,700,000 — an in- 
crease of a million and a half in twenty years — and her 
rank was still first. The voters had doubled and num- 
bered 1,267,000, of whom 395,000 were foreign-born. 
Those who came from other countries formed one- 
fourth of the population and were mostly Irish, Ger- 
man, English, Canadian, and Scotch, in the order named 
The percentage of foreigners in the metropolis was 43, 
in Brooklyn 35, and in Buffalo 34. In Erie county the 
naturalized voters exceeded the native by 400, in Kings 
county by 5,600, and in :N'ew York City by 50,000. 

The Increase of Cities characterizes the new era. 
Thev numbered 21 in 1870 and 46 a decade later. New 
York City still held first place in America with a million 
people. Brooklyn had passed from the seventh to the 
third largest city in the country with 400,000 inhabit- 



230 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

ants. Buffalo was the third city in the state and num- 
bered 118,000. Rochester, Syracuse, and Troy had 
doubled in size. Albany fell from the ninth to the twen- 
tieth place in the nation, though it had increased 20,000. 
Utica had grown 11,000 and Binghamton, Elmira, 
Yonkers, Long Island City, and Auburn had become im- 
portant centers. Eight of the fifty chief cities in the 
United States were in New York. There were 159 vil- 
lages in 1870, and the wealth of the state had increased 
more than six-fold and was $6,500,000,000. 

Banks and Insurance Companies. — Prosperity can be 
measured by the number and character of the banks. 
The single savings bank of 1819 had grown to 155 with 
$285,300,000 in deposits (1873). This shows how 
thrifty the poorer people were. In 1876 there were 
365 other banks in the state with $128,100,000 capital, 
$294,000,000 deposited, $42,300,000 in circulation, and 
$322,000,000 out in loans. The whole system was over- 
looked by a state bank department. Insurance com- 
panies grew with the banks. In 1860 there were 135, 
and in 1875 they numbered over 300. Life, fire, and 
marine insurance companies were followed by special 
companies for accidents, theft, live stock, cyclones, 
plate glass, and other purposes. The insurance depart- 
ment was created in 1859 and now controls the whole 
system. In the same year the first state convention of 
life-insurance companies was held in New York City, 
and in 1871 the first national convention convened. 

Canals and Railroads. — The industrial development 
of this period was a continuation of the preceding one. 
The thirteen canals with the navigable rivers and lakes 
furnished 1,393 miles of waterway, on which in a year 



INDUSTRIAL CONDITION 237 

5,800,000 tons of freight were carried at an expense of 
$4,336,000 and $2,550,000 in tolls (1874). But the 
canals were gradually replaced by faster means of 
transportation. The railroads had proved their value 
for travel and freight traffic. The 2,700 miles at the 
beginning of the war had grown to 5,210 miles of 
steam railroads and 400 miles of horse-car lines (1875). 
The railroads carried 35,000,000 passengers at a cost 
of $25,000,000, and the horse-cars 228,000,000 at a 
cost of $12,000,000 (1874). The freight amounted to 
$65,000,000. This enormous business had been built 
up in less than half a century. In 1850 E'ew York was 
first in railroads, but by 1860 she was only third, so 
rapidly were they built over the wide west. 

Street-cars. — When the war began Brooklyn had 80 
miles of street-car lines and ]^ew York City only 62 
miles. As early as 1830 elevated railroads were dis- 
cussed. As the metropolis grew rapid transit became 
a necessity. The E'ew York Elevated Railroad Com- 
pany and the Metropolitan Elevated Railroad Company 
were organized (1872). In 1879 two trunk lines were 
completed. To-day one can travel all around the great 
city. Brooklyn copied !N^ew York. Thousands of busi- 
ness men were thus enabled to live in healthy suburbs 
and still look after their business in the heart of the 
busy city. 

The Industrial Establishments increased from 23,- 
500 (1850) to 36,000 (1870), and the hands employed 
doubled. The money invested almost quadrupled. 
The value of products more than trebled and reached 
the sum of $785,000,000. The 352,000 persons thus 
employed were paid $142,000,000 in wages, The chief 



238 SHORT BISTORT OF TEE STATE OF NEW TOtiK 

manufacturing counties were, in the order named, ^ew 
York, Kings, Kensselaer, Erie, Albany, Monroe, Onon- 
daga, Oneida, Westchester, Oswego, Dutchess, Orange, 
and Ulster. From 1850 to 1860 New York led the 
states in making agricultural implements, engines, iron, 
books, sewing-machines, clothing, lumber, flour, malt 
liquors, leather, furniture, salt, gas, soap, and candles. 
She was second in making boots, shoes, woolen goods, 
and musical instruments. In 1870 she ranked first in 
manufacturing copper, war materials, furniture, paper, 
tobacco, farming tools, cheese, musical instruments, salt, 
maple sugar, and syrup. She stood second in pro- 
ducing brass, foods, iron, leather, liquors, lumber, books, 
clothing, carpets, flour, and woolen goods, and third in 
lead, nails, tacks, and silk. Averaging all products, jSTew 
York led the country in manufacturing. 

Agriculture.— Farming was never a more desirable 
nor a more profitable occupation than during the period 
More than one-tenth of the people owned farm-lands, 
and 375,000 were engaged in this Avork (1870). There 
were 242,000 farms, and only 258 over 1,000 acres. Of 
the 25,660,000 acres in farms 15,900,000 acres were 
improved. The farms were valued at $1,221,500,000, 
the stock on them at $146,500,000, and the produce at 
$121,188,000 (1875). The crops had increased one- 
third. Of hay 5,500,000 tons were raised, of barley 
5,000,000 bushels, of buckwheat 4,000,000, of corn 20,- 
000,000, of rye 3,000,000, of wheat 10,000,000, of po- 
tatoes 37,000,000, and of apples 18,000,000. Of grapes 
17,000,000 pounds were grown. Over 9,000,000 pounds 
of maple sugar, 219,000,000 pounds of butter, and 
106,000,000 pounds of cheese were made. Of milk 41,- 



INDUSTRIAL CONDiTlOl^ 230 

500,000 gallons were sold, and of wine 311,000. Large 
quantities of hops, poultry, and tobacco were raised. 
Swine, horses, and cattle increased in number 25 per 
cent, but sheep decreased. The markets were good and 
prices were high. Farmers became rich, built fine 
houses and barns, tilled their land, bred fancv kinds of 
stock, and sent their children to academies and colleges 
to be educated. Improved machinery made the work 
easier and gave more time for culture and travel. The 
country began to supply the cities with brain and mus- 
cle as well as food. From 1850 to 1860 New York led 
in farming, but since then other states have surpassed 
her. 

Commerce, both domestic and foreign, kept pace with 
the general prosperity. More than 235,000 persons 
were engaged in transportation. The domestic exports 
from the port of New York amounted in 1856 to 
$99,000,000, and the foreign exports were $6,000,000. 
Twenty years later they were $295,000,000 and $14,- 
000,000. The imports during the same time increased 
from $196,000,000 to $312,000,000. Work was plenty 
and wages were good. Probably at no time in the 
history of the state were all classes so busy and so well 
satisfied. 



MO Shout histoby of the btats ov nev^ yorR 



> 



Chapter XLVIII. — Schools, Churches, and Society 

Free Public Schools. — This period saw a tremendous 
advance in education. The common schools were made 
free, and every boy and girl could be educated at the 
cost of the state (1867). The common schools were 
linked with the colleges by the formation of high 
schools in all the cities and large villages and by numer- 
ous academies. These secondary schools numbered 300 
(1880). The colleges were increased and liberalized. 
Thus the great educational dream of De Witt Clinton 
was at last realized after many a hard and almost hope- 
less contest. For the masses there were 11,700 free 
common schools and 1,300 other institutions of learning 
(1870). The attendance had increased from 727,000 
(1850) to 1,059,000 (1875), and 135,000 went to private 
schools. Still half a million of children of school age 
did not go to school. 

Educational Progress. — ISTormal schools grew up grad- 
ually as the demand for trained teachers arose. They 
resulted from the teachers' institutes. The Albany 
formal was the first (1844). Oswego soon followed, 
and before long six more were established. These were 
supported by the state and were free. The three col- 
leges had become twenty-seven (1880). The girls were 
not neglected. Every city had one or more seminaries 
for them, and three colleges were exclusively for their 
use. At first education was held to be a family duty, 
but by this time the conviction prevailed that it was the 
state's duty to educate all boys and girls. This led to 



BOBOOLS, CHURCHES, AND SOCIETY ^41 

the compnlsorj-education law, wliick went into effect 
January 1, 1875. 

Newspapers and Libraries. — The growing popular in- 
telligence was marked by the rapid progress in papers 
and books. The 428 newspapers of 1850 changed in 
number to 835 in 1870. The 51 dailies had increased to 
87; the 36 monthlies to 163; and the 308 weeklies to 
518. The total circulation advanced from 1,625,000 to 
472,000,000. These papers represented the whole range 
of human interests. Another evidence of enlarged intel- 
lectual activity was the gro\\^h in libraries. In 1870 
there were 21,000 libraries of all kinds in the state with 
6,300,000 books. There were 10,000 school libraries, 
3,500 Sunday-school libraries, 144 circulating libraries, 
130 city and village libraries, 26 law libraries, 2 state 
libraries, and numerous private libraries. 

Post-offices. — That great educator, the post-office, was 
perfected during this epoch. Up to 1845 there was 
little change in the rates. It cost six cents to send a 
letter of one sheet 30 miles, ten cents up to 80 miles, 
and twenty-five cents for 400 miles. If the letter had 
two, three, or four sheets the price was doubled, trebled, 
or quadrupled. Drop letters and newspapers in the 
state cost one cent. In 1835 ISTew York paid $401,000 
in postage. In 1845 a great change came. Letters of 
half an ounce were carried 300 miles for five cents, 
and beyond that the cost was double. Newspapers were 
carried free 30 miles, 100 miles for one cent, and be- 
yond that for half a cent more. In 1851 the rate for a 
letter was reduced to three cents for 3,000 miles, and 
two-cent letter postage was introduced in 1883. Post- 
age stamps were first used in 1847. The registration of 



242 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW tORR 

letters began in 1854, and free delivery and money 
orders originated in 1863. 

The Religious and Moral Life of the people was not 
neglected. The Civil War was a great moral educator. 
Man's freedom became a sacred thing. Loyalty was 
holy. The antislavery movement was looked npon as 
a sacred warfare. Along with it and overclouded by it 
was the temperance crusade. Charity, mercy, and honor 
took a new hold on men. Churches increased from 
4,134 (1850) to 6,320 (1875) with 1,147,000 members. 
The 43 sects paid $5,308,000 to ministers in salaries 
and owned 'buildings valued at $101,106,000. The 
Methodists had the largest number of houses of worship, 
then came Baptists, Presbyterians, andEoman Catholics. 
The Roman Catholics had the largest number of mem- 
bers, and were followed by the Methodists, Presbyte- 
rians, and Baptists. Mrs. Bethune's small Sunday-school 
(1816) soon expanded into 7,000, attended by 1,200,- 
000 scholars and teachers (1888). 

Prosperity and Intelligence. — The Civil War devel- 
oped a love of country not known since the Bevolution. 
Confidence in the national government was strength- 
ened. Plenty of money, high bounties, and high 
prices for labor and products enabled the poor to 
pay off debts and become well-to-do. Shrewd merchants 
and bankers made large fortunes. There was an in- 
creased knowledge of local and national geography. 
Political science was better understood, and individual 
responsibility was realized as never before. 

The Social Condition of the people was greatly im- 
proved. The railroads, canals, and telegraph lines united 
the people as one big family. Newspapers guided public 



SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, AND SOCIETY 243 

opinion more easily. People thought, read, and felt 
more. Man's equality was vindicated by war. Travel 
brought broad views and sympathy. Inventions made 
life easier and happier. The poor man in his humble 
home had more comfort than the rich a half-century 
before. 

Emigration, was becoming a serious problem, especially 
in the large cities. From the 50,000 foreigners 
who came to New York between 1790 and 1800 the 
numbers had grown to 1,427,000 during the ten years 
before 1850. The decade before the Civil War saw 
nearly 3,000,000 land at New York, and from there 
scatter over the nation. Nearly 26 per cent of the 
population of New York was foreign-born in 1860, but 
five years later only 14 per cent. After the war the 
inflow revived. The 400,000 aliens of 1865 coming into 
the state increased to 1,196,000 in 1875, or more than 
150 per cent. 

Character of Immigrants. — The danger came not from 
the number of immigrants, but their character. Most of 
them were poor and ignorant. These foreigners also 
helped to swell the list of paupers and criminals. Many 
have become our very best citizens. The process of 
Americanizing them was very slow and in some cases 
discouraging. Fraudulent practices led to the formation 
of a Board of Commissioners of Emigration (1849). 

Private Charity. — The state institutions were sup- 
plemented by private ones. The first hospital was es- 
tablished in New York City (1770). From time to time 
others were built for the sick and disabled until every 
citv had one or more. There were 49 in 1880. Orphan 
asylums, free dispensaries for the sick, homes for 



244 SHOnT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

soldiers and sailors, inebriates, and the aged, reform 
schools and farms, houses of refuge, and many other 
forms of charity grew up side by side with those 
founded by the state. A Board of State Commissioners 
of Public Charity was created to superintend the philan- 
thropy of the state. Over $40,000,000 has been in- 
vested by the commonwealth for the unfortunates, and 
about $10,000,000 is spent annually. 

Society. — The paupers decreased from 60,000 (1850) 
to 26,000 (1870) in face of the great increase in popula- 
tion. But over three times as much money was spent 
for the care of the latter as for that of the former. 
Criminals changed in number from 10,280 to 5,500, of 
which 2,000 were foreigners. Here was a decided social 
gain. Illiteracy increased, due entirely to emigration. 
The Elmira Keformatory for making good men out of 
criminals was authorized (1869). 

" The Year 1875 closed the first century of the great 
republic of the West." At Philadelphia, the birthplace 
of the nation, a grand centennial was held. ^New York 
made a magnificent display of her inventions, her fac- 
tory, farm, and garden products, and her various other 
industries. 



THE POLITICAL SITUATION 245 



Chapter XLIX. — The Political Situation 

Seymour a Candidate for President. — In 1868 Xew 
York had another candidate for President, Horatio Sey- 
mour, a " favorite son," five times a nominee for gov- 
ernor and twice elected, who was nominated by the 
Democrats (July 4). The Republicans named U. S. 
Grant, the successful general of the recent war. Sey- 
mour worked with might and main in a hopeless contest 
against the popular hero. Xew York gave a solid vote 
to her favorite, but he was beaten by 214 to 80 electoral 
votes. Sejmiour never ran for public office again, but, 
like De Witt Clinton, devoted the rest of his life to the 
canals, topography, and history of the state he loved. 
He died at Utica (Feb. 12, 1886), lamented as a states- 
man, orator, writer, and, above all, citizen. 

Governor Hoffman. — Seymour's popularity carried the 
Democrats into power again in the state. They elected 
as governor John Thompson Hoffman, a graduate of 
Union College (1846), a lawyer and politician, over 
John A. Griswold, the Republican candidate. Governor 
Hoffman was re-elected (1870), defeating Stewart L. 
Woodford by 33,000 majority. His administration was 
distinguished for his opposition to special legislation, his 
contention for ^' home rule '' in cities, his effort to cen- 
tralize the control of the canals, and to lengthen the 
term of supreme-court judges to fourteen years. 

The Tweed Ring. — The Democratic victory in New 
York led to charges of fraud, especially in Kew York 
City. The legislature was asked to interfere in behalf 



24:6 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW JORK 

of honest local government. Laws were passed to that 
end, but only served to aid dishonest politicians. The 
terms '^ ring/' ^' machine/' and '' boss " became signifi- 
cant in politics at this time. To take the government of 
the metropolis out of the hands of a party, a bipartisan 
board was appointed to rule for six years. The board 
soon became a " ring " under a " boss.'' While the peo- 
ple were bent on making money just after the war, they 
forgot their civic duties. This was the era of gigantic 
swindling. Men of both parties were bought and used 
as tools. Infamous deals were made for railroad and 
corporation monopolies. Courts and legislatures were 
bought up. The climax was reached in the notorious 
" Tweed Ring." 

" Boss " Tweed.— By 1868 the " boss " in Xew York 
City and in the state was William M. Tweed, a chair- 
maker, able and jovial, but with little education, coarse, 
and wdthout conscience. He was the master spirit of 
the worst part of the Democrats, and controlled enough 
Republicans to carry out his schemes. He boasted that 
every man had his price. He had been a congressman 
(1850), and then was on the bipartisan board of super- 
A^isors for the city (1851). Four times he was chosen 
president of the board. His next office was deputy 
street commissioner (1863), and a few years later he 
went to the state senate (1867) to guide his crooked 
legislative schemes directly. 

The Robbery. — He now controlled the government 
of New York City. Tammany Hall made him its Grand 
Sachem. He held in his hand the nominations of the 
city and state. Greedy officials carried out his will. He 
organized his friends into a '' ring " to plunder the city. 



THE POLITICAL 8ITVATI0N 247 

His servants were in the courts. From the unsuspect- 
ing people he drew taxes enough to run a nation. He 
professed to use the money on streets, parks, armories, 
public buildings, and improvements of various kinds, 
but most of it went to himself and his fellow conspira- 
tors. A new court-house, to cost $250,000 (1868), was 
used to cover thefts of over $10,000,000. Contractors 
received this sum and then repaid Tweed and his allies 
from 15 to 85 per cent. 

New Charter of 1870.— Pretending that the people de- 
manded more concentrated responsibility, Tweed 
secured a new charter for the city (1870). All power 
was put into the hands of a mayor, comptroller, commis- 
sioner of parks, and commissioner of public works. This 
" big four,'' led by Tweed, was absolute. It controlled 
all moneys and offices. It met but once, allowed $6,- 
000,000 of fraudulent bills, and then gave all power to 
the chief. He helped elect Hoffman governor (1870). 
He taxed everything possible, and gave out money with 
a royal hand. A record of the robberies and division of 
the spoils was kept accurately in the auditor's office. 

Discovery of the Fraud.— Few crimes on so great a 
scale are known to history. Tweed's princely airs, 
the gaudy show of his colleagues, the pretensions of 
Tammany Hall in politics — city, state, and national, — 
and the burdens of the expensive frauds led to ex|)0sure 
after millions upon millions had been stolen from the 
people. Crime will out. The New YorJc Times and 
Harper^s WeeUy exposed the steal. Indignation meet- 
ings were held. A Committee of Seventy was appointed 
to act (Sept. 4, 1871). Tweed only answered, " What 
are you going to do about it ? " 



248 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Overthrow of the Ring. — Retribution came speedily. 
Connolly, the comptroller, was arrested, bailed out on 
$500,000, and escaped to Europe. Tweed gave $1,000,- 
000 bail, but was at last sentenced to twelve years' im- 
prisonment (1873). His friends secured his release in 
two years. He was rearrested on a new charge, but 
escaped to Europe. He was recaptured in Spain (1876) 
and returned to prison, where he soon died, at the age of 
fifty-five (1878). Mayor Hall was also tried, but es- 
caped punishment. The legislature secured the removal 
or resignation of three judges who had co-operated with 
the " ring." 

Changes in Government. — The Committee of Seventy 
failed to secure a new charter, but had the old one so 
modified as to place the legislative power in the hands of 
a board of twenty-two aldermen. The mayor still 
named the heads of departments. Subsequent years 
have not been wholly free from charges of fraud and 
corruption in city politics. Many investigations have 
been made since and some wholesome laws have been 
passed, so that cities are governed better to-day than 
ever before. Still the problem of city government is 
not yet wholly solved. The " Tweed Ring " called out 
heroic action and civic devotion as nothing else could 
have done. 

Horace Greeley.— In the coming contest for President 
(1872) another Xew York son was a candidate. The 
" Liberal Republicans," who opposed what they con- 
sidered Grant's usurpation of power, held a national 
convention at Cincinnati and nominated the venerable 
Horace Greeley (May 1), and the Democrats seconded 
the nomination at Baltimore (June 9). The Bepubli- 



THE POLITICAL SITUATION 249 

cans meanwhile renominated Grant (June 5). The 
people still trusted Grant. Even N^ew York gave Grant 
53,500 more votes than Greelev. Before the electoral 
college met, Greeley, disappointed, broken in health, 
and grieved over the loss of his Avife, died. Greeley 
should be classed among New York's greatest men. 
Born in Vermont (1811), he went to New York at the 
age of twenty. He helped to establish modern journal- 
ism. Through the Neiv Yorh Tribune he became a 
leading politician in the state and nation. He stood for 
a protective tariff; he fought the extension of slavery; 
he labored for the preservation of the Union. He 
served a term in Congress and was ambitious to be gov- 
ernor. He was odd in dress and eccentric in manners, 
but honest, brave, independent, and charitable. His re- 
fusal to submit to leadership, his defiance, his scathing 
criticism of men and parties, his undoubted genius and 
ability made him feared and hated by many politicians 
but loved by others. He opposed war at first, then 
stood for the Union, and was the first to offer bail for 
Jefferson Davis. 

State Politics. — The state election of 1872 was inter- 
esting. The colored voters held their first convention at 
Troy, and pledged their support to Grant and demanded 
a recognition of their rights (May 3, 1872). The next 
year a law opened all places of amusement to them. 
John A. Dix defeated Francis Kernan for governor by 
53,500 votes. Dix was a lawver and had held various 
state and national offices. While Secretary of the 
Treasury (1861) he wrote that famous order to the lieu- 
tenant of a revenue cutter at New Orleans, "If any 
man attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him 



250 SHOBT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF 2sEW TORE 

on tlie spot.'' That order electrified the north and fired 
every patriotic heart. He was a scholar, business man, 
soldier, statesman, and one of New York's best gov- 
ernors. He helped to improve the state's financial 
condition; he ended much local special legislation; he 
checked many corporate privileges; he reformed the 
canal management and the prison system; and he im- 
proved city government. He was renominated for the 
office (1874) but was defeated, and died five years later. 



Chapter L. — Tilden's Keforms 

Governor Tilden. — The state campaign of 1874 was a 
verv interesting one. The Prohibitionists met at Au- 
burn and nominated ex-Governor Clark for the highest 
office (June). At the same time and place fifty Repub- 
licans condemned Governor Dix for vetoing a temper- 
ance bill. The Liberal Eepublicans convened at Albany, 
but made no nominations (Sept.). The Democrats 
named Samuel J. Tilden, and the Republicans the same 
month renominated Governor Dix by acclamation at 
Syracuse. The Democrats were victorious. Tilden 
defeated Dix by over 50,000 and became governor. 
Tilden was a native of the state (b. 1814) and the 
son of a rich merchant who was a close friend of Van 
Buren and the " Albany Regency." Educated at Yale 
and the University of the City of ISTew York, young Til- 
den studied law with Benjamin F. Butler. He first 
took up newspaper work (1844), and then entered poli- 
tics (1846). He censured Lincoln for not calling out 



TIED EN'S REFORMS 251 

500,000 volunteers in 1861, instead of 75,000. He be- 
came a great corporation lawyer, and had charge of 
many western railroads, thus accumulating a fortune of 
$7,000,000. 

Tilden and Tweed. — Tweed led the worst faction of 
Democrats in New York, and Tilden the best. Tilden 
organized his party and began a systematic attack on the 
infamous Tweed King (1869). As an assemblyman he 
conducted the legislative investigation and exposed the 
clique (1871). This gave him the people's confidence 
and made him governor. Tilden's term of office began 
with a bold attack on the canal ring, which, under a sys- 
tem of repairs by contract, had plundered the state of 
hundreds of thousands of dollars. The legislature had 
appointed a committee to investigate the frauds (1867). 
Popular indignation led to a canal convention wdiich de- 
manded the dismissal of the canal board and the swift 
punishment of all persons guilty of frauds. The com- 
mittee reported that the contractors combined to control 
prices and then divided profits. One canal commissioner 
was tried, but acquitted. A few inadequate laws had 
been passed under Governor Dix to protect the state. 

Tilden's Reforms. — Governor Tilden demanded a new^ 
investigation, and caused the arrest of many officials and 
of a few private individuals. Although they were not 
convicted, reformation followed, and no doubt the state 
was saved millions of dollars. Tilden's reform spirit 
left its mark on the public conscience. It spread from 
citv to citv, then to the state government, and finally 
to national affairs. As a result the responsibility of 
public officials was viewed differently, and there was a 
more rigid accountability of public expenditure to the 



252 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

people. It was proved that when the people were once 
aroused to their duties of citizenship they would act de- 
cisively and on the right side. 

New York's Presidential Aspirants. — Looked upon as 
the champion of honest government, and trusted as the 
leader of his party, Tilden was early mentioned as a can- 
didate for President. The Democratic state conven- 
tion proposed his nomination for '' national regeneration 
and reform." Tammany Hall bitterly opposed him, 
but he was nominated in the national convention at St. 
Louis on the first ballot (June 28, 1876). The Repub- 
licans of ISTew York also had a candidate for the highest 
office, Roscoe Conkling, a L'nited States senator and 
a popular orator and statesman who had supported 
Grant. Their state convention suggested his candidacy, 
and promised the state's electoral votes for him. A 
strong faction in the state opposed him, however. He 
received onlv 99 votes in the national convention at 
Cincinnati, and was beaten by Kutherford B. Hayes 
(June 14). To appease ^N'ew York William A. Wheeler 
was nominated for Vice-President. 

Tilden's Defeat. — The presidential election was one of 
the most exciting in our history. New York gave Til- 
den a majority of 32,700. The general result was in 
dispute. An electoral commission finally decided that 
Hayes had received 185 votes and Tilden 184. Til- 
den's friends insisted that he was elected, and he did re- 
ceive a majority of the popular vote, but he made no 
open protest and retired from active politics. In 1880 
and again in 1884 his admirers would have made him a 
candidate for President, but he declined to accept the 
nomination, Two years later he died. He deserves to 



TILDEN'8 REFORMS 253 

rank with De Witt Clinton as a statesman, and mtli 
Van Buren as a politician. Well had he won the title of 
'^the sage/' He left $5,000,000 for a free public 
library, but his heirs broke his will and reduced the 
amount to $1,000,000. This sum has been used as the 
basis of the consolidation of the Astor and Lenox 
libraries into one great central library for New York 
City. It is now in course of erection in Bryant Park, 
and will be the largest in America. 

State Factions.— The election of Hayes led to party 
divisions in New York. He chose William M. Evarts 
as his Secretary of State. The political leaders in the 
state opposed the policy of the administration. The 
Kepublican state convention criticised the national gov- 
ernment, and voted down resolutions commending it by 
295 to 109. This division let the Democrats carry all 
the minor state elections (1877), though the Kepub- 
licans were victorious the following year. The Green- 
back party, born in 1876, which had nominated Peter 
Cooper of New York for President, polled 20,282 
votes the next year, and in 1878, 75,133 votes for state 
officers. 

Governor Robinson.— The Democrats nominated Ho- 
ratio Sevmour for governor in 1876, but he declined 
to run for the office, so Lucius Kobinson was named and 
elected over Edwin D. Morgan, Republican, by 30,000 
majority. The new executive was born in New York 
(1810), taught school, and became a famous lawyer. 
In 1861 he was elected comptroller by 108,200 votes, 
a majority larger than ever before given in the state, 
and was twice re-elected. In 1879 he was renominated 
for governor, but was defeated by Alonzo B. Cornell. 



254 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORK 

Governor Robinson was the first to serve again the 
three-year term. His administration was notable for its 
strict economy and the rapid decrease of the state debt. 
He died in 1890, an honored citizen. 




THE CAPITOL AT ALBANY 



The New Capitol. — Since 1797 the legislature has met 
at Albany. First it assembled in the Stadt Huis, then 
in the old capitol, built at a cost of $110,000 (1806) and 
used till 1879, when the state government moved into 
the present splendid structure. Agitation for a new 
capitol had begun before the Civil War, and a committee 
was appointed to report on the project (1863). l!^ew 
York City offered to build the capitol, and also a fine 
governor's mansion, free of cost to the state, if located 
there. Syracuse, the central city of the state, also 



TILDEN'S REFORMS ^55 

wanted it. The legislature, however, authorized the 
construction of a new capitol near the old site. Three 
commissioners were appointed. The building was not 
to exceed $4,000,000 in cost. Work began in 1867, 
and in two years the first stone was laid. The masonic 
order laid the corner-stone in the presence of 20,000 
persons (June 24, 1871). 

Opening. — The work progressed from year to year, as 
money was appropriated, under a changing board of 
commissioners. In 1883 the whole work was placed in 
the hands of Isaac G. Perry as capitol commissioner. 
The work has gone on with long delays for lack of 
funds. Many a scandal has been connected with it, and 
used by both parties for political purposes. Up to 1900 
the capitol had cost about $24,000,000. On January 7, 
1879, the capitol was formally opened by the legisla- 
ture. The building is one of the finest in the world, a 
pride to the Empire State, and a source of instruction 
and admiration to thousands of visitors from all parts 
of the world. 

Centennial. — The hundredth anniversary of the estab- 
lishment of the state capitol at Albany was celebrated 
January 6, 1897. One hundred citizens, headed by the 
governor, arranged a fine program. Chauncey M. 
Depew delivered the historical address, and William H. 
McElrov read the commemorative poem. 



256 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

VI. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1855-1876 
I. Primary Sources 

French, " Gazetteer of New York State " (1860). 
Hough, "Gazetteer of the State of New York" (1872). 
Seward, " Autobiography " and Letters of Seward. 3 vols. 
Baker, "Works of Seward." 5 vols. 
Parton, "The Life of Horace Greeley." 
Dix, " Memoirs of John Adams Dix." 2 vols. 
State Assembly and Senate Documents. 
" United States Census " for 1850, 1860, and 1870. 
" New York State Census " for 1855, 1865, and 1875. 
Report of the State Historian (1897). Vol. 2, Colonial Series. 
Weed, " Autobiography." 
Barnes, " Memoir of Thurlow Weed." 
" Civil List," 1870. 
Newspapers. 

"Manuals of the Corporation of the City of New York" (1855- 
1870). 

2. Secondary Sources 

Lossing, " Empire State," pp. 510-553. 

Randall, " History of New York State." (To 1870.) 

Roberts, " New York," II., pp. 633-678. 

Brooks, " Story of New York," pp. 244-270. 

Wilson, " Memorial History of the City of New York," III., pp. 

447-570. 
Lamb, " History of the City of New York," II., pp. 768-787. (To 

1880.) 
Roosevelt, " New York," pp. 201-210. 
Todd, " Story of the City of New York." 
Lossing, " History of New York City." 
Stone, " History of New York City." (To 1872.) 
Stiles, " History of the City of Brooklyn." (To 1870.) 
Ketchum, "History of Buffalo." (To 1865.) 
Townsend, " Honors of the Empire State." 
Lothrop, " Life of Seward." 

McCabe, " Life and Public Services of Horatio Seymour." 
Shepard, "Van Biiren." 
Bigelow, " Life of Samuel J. Tilden." 2 vols. 



CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 257 



3. Fiction 

Ford, " Honorable Peter Stirling.'' 
Dickinson, "What Answer? " 



CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 

1856. State tax for schools amended. 
" King Governor. 

1857. Temperance law passed. 
*' Slavery resolution. 

" Financial panic. 

1858. Morgan Governor. 

" John Brown invades Virginia. 

1859. Negro suffrage rejected by the people. 

1860. Provision for public works made. 
*' Southern States secede. 

1861. Civil War begins. 

" New York resolves to sustain the war. 
" Legislature appropriates $3,000,000. 
" Morgan calls for 25,000 troops. 

1862. 120 regiments sent to war. 
" $3,500,000 paid in bounties. 

" Erie Canal enlargement completed. 
" Van Bur en dies. 
" Seymour Governor. 

1863. Draft riots in New York City. 

1864. State tax levied for war, 
" Fenton Governor. 

" Conspiracy to burn New York. 

1865. Lincoln assassinated. 
" Civil War ends. 

1867. Locks on Erie and Oswego canals enlarged. 
" Constitutional Convention called. 

" Common schools made free. 

1868. Cornell University opened. 
" Hoffman Governor. 

1869. Legislature ratifies the XV. Amendment. 

1870. Brooklyn Bridge begun. 

1871. Tweed Ring exposed. 

" Corner-stone of State Capitol laid at Albany. 



S58 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

1871. Orange Riot in New York City. 

1872. Greeley defeated for President. 
" Wheeler Vice-President. 

" Dix Governor. 

1873. Financial panic. 

1874. Tilden Governor. 

" Canal Ring investigated. 

" Fillmore dies at Buffalo. 

1875. Tweed convicted. 

1876. Tilden defeated for President. 

" Robinson Governor for three years. 
" Centennial of independence celebrated. 



V. CENTENNIALS AND PROSPERITY 

Chapter LI. — Revolutionary Memorials ain^d 
New York's Third and Fourth Presidents 

Centennial Celebrations. — This last period of history 
opened and closed with civic celebrations. The Presi- 
dent proclaimed Jnly 4, 1876, a day of extraordinary 
rejoicing. In schoolhonse, town-hall, theater, church, 
and cemetery were heard patriotic songs and oratory 
commemorating the century of freedom. Charles 
O'Conor delivered a remarkable address before the New 
York Historical Society. Kingston celebrated the 
adoption of the first state constitution (July 30, 1877) 
in splendid decorations, military parades, and speeches. 
Oriskanv followed with a memorial of the bloodv battle 
fought there, and ex-Governor Seymour gave the 
address (Aug. 6, 1877). Cherry Valley remembered 
the horrible massacre (Aug. 15, 1877). The battle of 
Bemis Heights was next celebrated (Sept. 19, 1877). 
At Schoharie the corner-stone of a monument to David 
Williams, one of the captors of Andre, was laid (Sept. 
23, 1876). Burgoyne's surrender was commemorated 
at Schuylerville (Oct. 17, 1877). And General Sulli- 
van's remarkable expedition (1779) was celebrated a 
century later at Elmira, Newtown, Waterloo, Geneseo, 
Aurora, and other places. 

259 



2 GO SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Governor Cornell.— Tlie Eepublican victory in the 
gubernatorial election of 1879 was due to a breach in 
the Democratic ranks. Tammany Hall opposed Eobin- 
son for governor and nominated John Kelly, whose 
77,000 votes wonld have re-elected Robinson. Cor- 
nell's majority was 43,000. He was born in the state 
(1832), learned the trade of telegraph-operator, and at 
33 was manager of the Western Union in E'ew York 
City. In 1859 he returned to Ithaca to manage his 
father's business, and from this time on took a very 
active part in local and state politics. His administra- 
tion was marked by the passage of many reform acts for 
city government. The national guard was reduced 
from 20,000 to 12,000 and increased in efficiency. 
After his term expired he engaged in great business 
enterprises in the metropolis. 

Breach in the Republican Party. — The Republicans 
were in control of the state, but were divided into 
hostile camps. One, led by Piatt and Conkling, favored 
the nomination of Grant for a third term; the other, 
headed bv Warner Miller, Chauncev M. Depew, and 
William A. Wheeler, opposed it. In the state conven- 
tion the former predominated, but could not prevent 
the sending of anti-Grant delegates to the national con- 
vention. Grant was defeated, and James A. Garfield 
was nominated with Chester A. Arthur of ^ew York 
for second place. They receiA-ed Xew York's electoral 
vote. Garfield felt no obligation to the Grant faction 
in ^ew York, and hence trouble arose OA^er patronage. 
Thomas L. James was appointed Postmaster-General. 
The name of William H. Robertson was sent to the 
Senate by the President for collector of the port at 



NEW YORK'S THIJID AND FOURTH PRESIDENTS 261 



;N"ew York. Conkling and Piatt, United States senators 
from Kew York, protested against the nomination. 
Their protest was unheeded, so they resigiied (May 14, 
1881) and stood for re-election. After a hard fight 
Warner Miller and Elbridge G. Lapham were chosen to 
succeed them. 

New York's Third President. — Garfield's assassination 
(July 2, 1881) made Arthur President (Sept. 19) and 
gave ]^ew York her third 
chief executive. He made 
such a good record that 
his friends tried to nomi- 
nate him for President 
(1884), but, though get- 
ting 278 A'otes on the first 
ballot, he was defeated bv 
James G. Blaine. To con- 
trol the situation in ^NTew 
York it was thought best 
by Arthur and his friends 
to nominate for governor Chester a. Arthur 

Judge Charles J. Folger, Arthur's Secretary of the 
Treasury. This was done in a convention full of heat 
and divisions (1882). Governor Cornell's friends de- 
nounced the act as one of force. Thousands of Republi- 
cans, while admiring Folger personally, repudiated his 
nomination at the polls. Consequently he was defeated 
by a plurality of 192,854, unparalleled up to that time 
in the state's history. 

Grover Cleveland. — The Democrats' victorious can- 
didate, Grover Cleveland, took his office with both 
houses in accord with him (1882). For the next twelve 




262 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

years his party was in power. He was born in :^ew 
Jersey (1837), the son of a Presbyterian clergy- 
man. He was store-clerk, teacher of the blind, book- 
keeper, and lawyer, being admitted to the bar at Buffalo 
(1859). During the war he entered political life, and 
in 1881 was elected mayor of Buffalo. His inaugura- 
tion was simple, and his term of office was marked by 
radical reforms in his own office, by careful appoint- 
ments, strict watch over corporations, and rigid 

economy. 

President Cleveland.-Cleveland's rapid political rise 
in Is^ew York soon won him a national reputation so 

great that he was nomi- 
nated for President in the 
Democratic national con- 
vention at Chicago (July 
8, 1884). The campaign 
was personal rather than 
political, and New York 
was the battle-field. The 
canvass was hot and bitter. 
The Cleveland men were 
active and well organized. 
The Independents worked 
for him. 
Other Parties.— The Republicans were no less alert 
and united. Their candidate, Blaine, the ''plumed 
knight," went up and down the state greeting thousands. 
The Prohibitionists worked hard for their nominee, and 
no doubt drew largely from the Eepublican ranks. The 
Greenback Labor party's leader, General Benjamin 
F. Butler of New York, also made a tour of the state. 




GROVER CLEVELAND 



NEW TORE'S THIRD AND FOURTH PRESIDENTS 263 

For some days the result of the contest was in doubt. 
By a close vote ^ew York chose Cleveland electors, and 
this decided the national contest and gave Kew York 
her fourth President. Cleveland was renominated 
(188S), but was defeated by Benjamin Harrison on the 
tariff issue. Four years later Cleveland was victorious 
over Harrison (1892). For a dozen years, therefore, he 
was the standard-bearer of the Democrats. In 1896 he 
retired to Princeton, New Jersey. 




BROOKLYN BRIDGE 



Brooklyn Bridge. — The first ferry between Manhattan 
and Long Island was established in 1642, and was fol- 
lowed in 1814 by the first steam-ferry. In 1836 the 
receipts on the New York side for a day were $100, 



264 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

but in 1897 five lines collected $1,241,000 and carried 
46,000,000 passengers. A bridge across the East River 
was early advocated. In 1867 the legislature authorized 
the bridge and Congress approved of it (1869). The 
great engineer, John A. Roebling, planned Brooklyn 
Bridge. Construction began in 1870, and it was opened 
to the public May 23, 1883. It is 6,537 feet long, 85 
feet Avide, and has five parallel avenues. It weighs 
15,000 tons, and is supported by four great cables 16 
inches in diameter. This marvelous structure cost orig- 
inally $15,000,000, and half that sum has been spent in 
repairs and additions. It ic( one of the wonders of the 
world. The cable-car has been replaced by the electric 
car. On July 1, 1898, the elevated-railroad companies 
leased the bridge roads for $250 a day. 

Other Bridges. — Plans are now under way to build a 
bridge across the Hudson at Fifty-ninth street for rail- 
road business exclusively, at a cost of $17,000,000. A 
new East River bridge, costing $12,000,000, is also being 
built. Other noted bridges in the state are the Niagara 
cantilever bridge (1883), 910 feet long; the Pough- 
keepsie bridge of the same style, 6,767 feet long, with 
two railroad-tracks over it (1889); Washington Bridge 
over the Harlem (1889), 2,375 feet long; and the 
Magara suspension bridge (1854), 821 feet long, with 
two decks, built by the architect of the Brooklyn bridge. 

Washington Monument and Evacuation Day. — The 
fine statue of Washington on the steps of the Sub- 
Treasury building was unveiled on Evacuation Day 
and made the property of the nation (N^ov. 26, 1883). 
George William Curtis was the orator of the 
day. President Arthur said: ^' I have come to this 



GOVERNOR HILL'S AD^iflNISTRATION 265 

historic spot, where the first President of the Re- 
public took oath to preserve, protect, and defend its 
constitution, simply to accept in behalf of the govern- 
ment this tribute to his memory. Long may the noble 
statue you have set up stand where you have placed it, a 
monument alike to your generosity and public spirit, 
and to the wisdom, virtue, and genius of the immortal 
Washington.'' This fitly closed the great series of 
Revolutionary centennial celebrations. 



Chapter LII. — Governor Hill's Admii^istration 

Hill Becomes Governor. — When Cleveland became 
President David B. Hill succeeded him as governor 
(1884). The next year Hill was nominated for the 
office of governor by the Democrats, and was elected 
over Ira Davenport, Republican, by 11,000 plurality. 
Governor Hill was born in the state (1843), and, 
like so manv of ^ew York's executives, had to 
carve his own way to fame. After an academic edu- 
cation he was admitted to the bar at Elmira (1864). 
He was sent to the Assembly (1870), and became Til- 
den's assistant in overthro^ving the corrupt Tweed Ring. 
In 1882 he was elected mayor of Elmira and lieutenant- 
governor. He was renominated for governor in 1888, 
and re-elected over Warner Miller by 19,000 plurality. 
Thus he sat in the executive chair seven vears, a term 
of service longer than that of any governor except the 
two Clintons and Tompkins, 



266 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

Hill's Administration. — Tilden was Governor HilVs 
model. He served the people faithfully, and saved the 
taxpayers at least $5,000,000 by his policy of economy. 
He simplified and centralized the departments and 
bureaus of the state government. He advocated 
^^ home rule," and no governor has done more than he to 
curtail special legislation. To this end he vetoed 
hundreds of bills and even angered many of his friends. 
He favored organized labor and suggested many whole- 
some laws to protect and to aid the working man. He 
befriended the farmer, favored religious freedom, and 
was interested in charities. At the close of his second 
term he was chosen United States senator, as nine of 
his predecessors had been (1891). Fearing defeat, his 
party forced him to enter the gubernatorial race again 
in 1894, but he was defeated by Levi P. Morton, the 
Republican candidate. He was succeeded in the Senate 
by Thomas C. Piatt (1897) and returned to his law 
practice. 

Death of Grant. — During the summer of 1885 Gen- 
eral Grant died at Mount MacGregor, near Saratoga 
Springs (July 23). His remains were taken to l^ew 
York City, where 50,000 persons followed them to 
Riverside Park. Among the mourners were the Presi- 
dent, two ex-Presidents, and great warriors and states- 
men from every part of the Union and from foreign 
lands. ^^ He was a great soldier, a faithful public serv- 
ant, a devoted defender of public truth, and a sincere 
patriot." On the seventieth anniversary of his birth 
the corner-stone of a splendid tomb was laid by Presi- 
dent Harrison (x\pril 27, 1892). The ceremonies were 
solemn and impressive. On the banks of the Hudson 



GOVERNOR HILL'S ADMimSTRATION 267 

stands the magnificent monument built by a grateful 
peojDle in memory of '" the great silent man " who was 
the ^' greatest American soldier since Washington." 
Each year many thousands visit his grave to do this 
hero honor. 

Grant's Tomb.— On April 27, 1897, the tomb was dedi- 
cated. The legislature voted the day a public holiday. 
The city appropriated $50,000 for the occasion. The 
land parade, made up mostly of old soldiers, was very 
impressive. The naval display was grand as the huge 
war-vessels steamed up the Hudson to fire the salute of 
honor. President McKinley made the opening speech. 
Ex-President Cleveland was present. General Horace 
Porter was the orator of the day. A reception, banquet, 
and a ball at night closed the ceremonies in honor of 
one of the greatest of the " Fathers of the Eepublic." 

Death of Arthur. — The year following Grant's death 
ex-President Arthur died in ^ew York City (Kov. 18, 
1886). Broken in health, he had retired from an office 
wdiicli he filled with dignity and courtesy. Although 
not a great statesman, yet he gave the country a good, 
clean administration. 

Statue of Liberty. — In the harbor of Kew York, on 
Bedloe's (now Liberty) Island, stands the statue of 
Liberty, the largest statue in the ^New "World, and per- 
haps in the Old. The French people gave it to the 
people of the United States, and the ceremony of pres- 
entation took place amid a scene of joy and friendship 
(Oct. 28, 1886). National war-ships and hundreds of 
other craft surrounded the small island and with flags, 
e-uns, voices, and whistles celebrated the occasion. 
Yicomte de Lesseps, of the Suez Canal fame, presented 



268 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



the gift, and President Cleveland accepted it as a 
" statue to the friendship of nations and the peace of 
the world.'^ 

Bicentennial at Albany. — On Jnly 18, 1886, Albany 

celebrated her bi- 
centennial amid 
songs of praise, ser- 
mons of thanks- 
giving, parades, 
m u s i c, streaming 
banners and flags, 
banquets, balls, and 
oratory. The past 
was sanctified and 
hearts were stirred 
to patriotism. The 
magnificent history 
of the city was 
recounted by 
writers, poets, min- 
isters, and states- 
men, and in manv a 
fine memorial tab- 
let. Since 1777 the 
state capitol had 
been there. Albany 
helped to form the 
institutions of the 
STATUE OF LIBERTY eolouv aud the com- 

monwealth. During the early period she was a strong 
rival of A^ew York City in trade, and for 150 years was 
the leading fur center in America. In 1657 the beaver- 




GOVERNOR HILVS ADMINISTRATION 269 

trade alone amounted to $150,000. After the Revo- 
lution Albany was a noted grain-market. In 1813 
1,000,000 bushels of wheat were sold there. " It is 
doubted/' said a state senator in that year, '^ if there be 
a place on this continent which is daily visited by so 
many teams, and Albany possesses greater wealth, more 
real capital, than any other place in the United States 
containing the same population (9,400).'' 

Growth of Albany. — Albany was not slow to adopt 
new institutions and methods. The first newspaper ap- 
peared May 28, 1784. The next year the first stage line 
to ^New York was opened, and soon others were ex- 
tended in various directions. In 1792 the second bank 
in the state was established there. Captain Dean sailed 
a sloop to China (1785), and a decade later ninety sloops 
were engaged in the Albany trade. Fulton's steamer 
marked a new era for the city. Albany worked hard 
for the Erie Canal, which quadrupled her trade in five 
years. The railroads continued the prosperity. The 
lumber trade amounted to $2,150,000 in 1840, and 
soon rose to $15,000,000 (1865). Albany became 
famous as a live-stock mart. In 1875 often 1,000 cars 
of cattle arrived in one week, and the yearly business 
was estimated at $10,000,000. 

Great Changes. — A century ago Albany was a village 
receiving mail once a week. Though 185 years old in 
1790, the population was only 3,500. An old book says 
that Pearl street was then the fashionable place of resi- 
dence; that the people, houses, and dogs were Dutch; 
and that education was sacrificed for trade. The inhabit- 
ants lived quietly, rose early, and when the curfew rang 
at 8 P.M. covered their fires and retired. In the morning 



^YO SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORS: 

these venerable ^^ mynheers '^ sat smoking on their 
stoops Avith sharp-cocked hats or red-ringed worsted caps 
on their heads. On Sabbath, with rnffled shirt-front, 
knee-breeches, silver-buckled shoes, and immense wigs, 
these burghers would go to church. What a contrast to 
Albany of to-day as she enters upon the tliird century of 
her history with a population of 100,000, covering an 
area of 11 square miles, and with taxable property 
worth $70,000,000 ! The center of half a dozen rail- 
roads, the head of river navigation, a terminus of the 
great canal system, and the capital of the state, she will 
continue to be one of the great cities. 

The Anniversary of the Adoption of the Federal Con- 
stitution (1789) was celebrated with appropriate cere- 
monies in iSTew York City. The people understood that 
this government, but a century old, had secured order, 
enforced law, given the common man a chance he had 
never had before, and built up a nation which is the 
pride of tl\e world. In the poor parts of the city, where 
the inhabitants were mostly foreigners, the flag and a 
picture of AVashington adorned every window. This 
was the best evidence that they were rapidly being 
Americanized. 



Chapter LIII. — The Constitutional Convention 

OF 1894 

Governor Flower. — The governor who succeeded Hill 
was pre-eminently a business man and not a lawyer, Ros- 
well P. Flower, born in Xew York (1835) and the son 
of a well-to-do farmer and merchant. Educated in the 
public schools, he won his way by teaching school, as a 



THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 18H 271 

clerk in a store, by working on the farm, and in the jew- 
elry business. In 1869 he was called to New York City 
to manage the estate of his rich brother-in-law, Henry 
Keep, and there he became a broker and speculator, thus 
accumulating a fortune. He was always interested in 
politics, and twice served as a Democratic congressman. 
He refused the nomination for lieutenant-governor 
(1885), and later was chosen governor by 50,000 votes 
more than Jacob Sloat Fassett, the Kepublican can- 
didate (1892). After serving the people faithfully for 
three years he returned to his business enterprises in 
the metropolis, where he died admired and respected by 
all who knew him (1899). 

Constitutional Amendments.— Our constitutions are 
instruments of government made by the people to meet 
the needs of business and the w^ants of human life. A 
progressive people outgrows its supreme law. Then a 
new constitution or an amendment results. In New 
York five constitutional conventions have been held 
since 1777 (1801, 1821, 1846, 1867, and 1894). In 
1867 only the judicial system was changed, but various 
amendments followed. Bribery at elections was made 
punishable. Members of the legislature were prohibited 
from holding other offices. The legislature was for- 
bidden to pass certain private bills, to grant special char- 
ters to savings banks, or to loan state funds to private 
corporations. The salaries of state officers were fixed. 
The office of canal commissioner was abolished and the 
office of superintendent of public works created. State- 
prison inspectors were replaced by a superintendent of 
prisons. Tolls on the state canals were abolished and 
the limit of the indebtedness of cities and counties fixed. 



272 SHOUT mSTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Constitution of 1894. — The last constitutional con- 
vention called by the people, in 1894, was attended by 
175 delegates (May 8— Sept. 29, 1894). They were 
men of ability from all parts of the state. Joseph 
H. Choate was chosen presiding officer. More than 
400 amendments to the constitution were proposed, 
but only 45 were accepted, and 28 new sections 
were inserted. Farmers were allowed to drain their 
lands across adjoining farms. Cities were given home 
rule. Local elections were separated in time from 
state and national elections. The state was allowed 
to sell the Onondaga salt springs and the Hamburg 
canal in Buffalo because of their slight A^alue. The 
forest preserve was made inviolable. Lotteries and 
gambling Avere prohibited. Before a foreigner could 
vote ninety instead of ten days' citizenship was 
required, and voters were compelled to register. Thus 
no longer could a single judge naturalize five hundred 
voters in one day before an important election. 

Important Features. — The legislature was increased 
one-fourth in number. Senators and assemblymen were 
reapportioned and now numbered 50 and 150 respec- 
tively. ISTo further change was to be made till 1905. 
Greater JSTew York was restricted in representation 
so as not to hold the controlling power in the state. 
The 2:overnor's term was ag-ain shortened to two 
vears. The contract svstem of convict labor was done 
away with. The peojjle were permitted to order the im- 
provement of the canals. Public schools were encour- 
aged, but no state funds were to go to sectarian schools. 
The judicial system was simplified and made uniform. 



THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 189^ 273 



And there was provision for a naval force, and a 
militia of at least 10,000 men. 

Constitution Ratified. — The people voted on the new 
constitution in three parts: first, the reapportionment 
of members of the legislature; second, canal improve- 
ments ; and finally, all the rest. Each was carried by over 
404,000 votes, though 327,000 opposed the changes 
(^ov. 6). The new constitution went into effect Janu- 
ary 1, 1895. " It is the most universal opinion," said 
Governor Morton when leaving office (Jan. 1, 1897), 
'^ that we now have a constitution ample in its scope, 
simple and clear in its declaration of principles, suffi- 
ciently elastic in its provisions, and adequate for all 
general purposes of government under present con- 
ditions." 

World's Columbian Exposition. — The echoes of the 
centennial celebration of Americaii independence had 
scarcely died away 
when men began to 
plan a greater. The 
proposal to celebrate 
the four-hundredth an- 
niversary of Colum- 
bus's discoverv of 
America was approved 
by all. Chicago led 
(1888) and ]S^ew York 
followed (1889) in the 
effort to secure the 
World's Columbian 
Exposition. After a hard contest the former secured it. 
Then New York did her best to make it a success. She 




CHKISTOPHER COLUMBUS 



^74 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

gave money and men to it. Her statesmen, professional 
men, and business men were on all important com- 
mittees. Her architects built many of the best build- 
ings, and her artists helped decorate them. Vice-Presi- 
dent Morton dedicated the Exposition (Oct. 21, 1892), 
Chauncey M. Depew delivered the Columbian Oration 
and President Cleveland formally opened the Exposition 
(May 1, 1893). The !New York state mansion cost 
$600,000. :N'ew York Day was celebrated Sept. 4, 1893, 
with an attendance of over 160,000. The ^ew York 
exhibits were very extensive and compared very favor- 
ably with those of any other state. Governor Flower 
declared that they " were exceedingly creditable and, as 
a whole, surpassed in variety and excellence those of 
any other state." 

Greatness of New York. ■ — In dedicating the state 
mansion Chauncey M. Depew could proudly say: " Our 
metropolis is the center of the intellectual, the artistic, 
the financial, and the industrial activities of the Kew 
World. Our state justifies her imperial title by continu- 
ing to be the greatest in population, in manufacturing, 
in agriculture, and in commerce. . . . New York con- 
tributes every year more for the education of her peo- 
ple; more in charity and benevolence for the relief of 
the helpless, the injured, and the maimed; has greater 
facilities for the transportation of her citizens and their 
products ; is further advanced in the arts, in the sciences, 
and in the inventions; possesses greater wealth, more 
extensive and valuable commerce; could raise and put 
into the field a more efficient army, and upon the seas a 
more powerful navy, than all Europe could have done 
at the time when Columbus sailed from Palos.'^ 



TEE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1894 2T5 

Columbus Day. — With fitting honors New York cele- 
brated the discovery by Columbus. The legislature 
decreed the day a holiday and voted $50,000 for its 
observance. In city, to^\^l, and district schools, flags 
waved, patriotic speeches were made, and songs were 
sung. The metropolis appropriated $150,000 for the oc- 
casion. The churches opened the ceremonies there with 
suitable programs. The next day 25,000 school children 
and college boys, the ^' grand army of the future," rep- 
resenting all races and religions, paraded the city. 
Gorgeous fireworks at night honored '' him who led the 
way across the dark sea." The third day Spain, France, 
and Italy joined in the grand naval display. An athletic 
carnival was held in the afternoon, and in the evening 
there was a parade by the Catholic societies, a chorus 
concert of 6,000 Germans, and brilliant fireworks on 
Brooklyn Bridge. On the anniversary day (Oct. 12) 
the celebration culminated in the largest military parade 
ever seen in the city. More than 70,000 persons were 
in line, and among them Vice-President Morton, ex- 
President Hayes, President-elect Cleveland, Governor 
Flower, and other dignitaries in church and state, army 
and navy. 

Monument to Columbus. — At the close of the parade 
the beautiful Columbus monument was unveiled at the 
southwest corner of Central Park. More than a hun- 
dred Italian societies took part in the dedication. The 
statue for the monument, given by Italians in America 
and Italy, was 14 feet high and of pure white marble. 
It wss placed on an artistic pedestal 75 feet high. The 
monument stands as a grand memorial of the " great 
pilot," the liberality of our Italian citizens, and the 



276 SBOHT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TOTtK 



celebration of " the birthday of the great western 
world." Other cities over the state copied I^ew York. 
Brooklyn dedicated a soldiers and sailors' memorial 
arch. Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, and Syracuse made 
the day a memorable one in their history. " The naval, 
the military, the civic, and the allegorical processions 
told the story in object lessons of the evolution of mod- 
ern civilization through the success of the little fleet of 
Christopher Columbus.'' 

The Fleet of Columbus. — On April 25, 1893, thirty- 
two men-of-war, flying the flags of nine nations, escorted 

into IsTew York har- 
bor the " Pinta/' 



'^ Nina,'' and '' Santi 
Maria," copies of 
the vessels of the 
^' boldest navigator 
of the fifteenth cen- 
tury for a vovao-e 
which was to revo- 
lutionize the world." 
How great the con- 




thp: pinta 



trast! The next day tlie greatest naval parade New 
York ever saw took place. President Cleveland, his 
cabinet, and hundreds of other distinguished men 
greeted the visitors. A national salute at Grant's 
tomb, a land parade, ball, and banquet closed the cele- 
bration. 

. The Buffalo Strike. — The great strikes in Pennsylva- 
nia and Idaho in July, 1893, were followed by the 
switchmen's strike nt Buffalo (Aug. 14). The object was 
to force eastern roads to pay the same wages as western 



NEW YOEE UNDER GOVERNOR MORTON 277 

roads. Only one road yielded. The others engaged 
non-union men. A large number of loaded freight-cars 
and several passenger-coaches were burned. Trains 
were derailed and an engine was wrecked. The new 
men were stoned and the county sheriff's posse of 42 
men was disarmed. Governor Flower sent 8,000 
soldiers to quell the 650 strikers. The strike was 
soon declared off and nothing had been gained by the 
strikers (Aug. 24). 



Chapter LIV. — New Yokk under Governor 

Morton 

Governor Morton. — Most of New York's governors 
were poor boys who, by pluck and hard work, climbed 
the ladder to fame and wealth. Levi P. Morton, the mil- 
lionaire banker, w^as no exception. Born in Vermont 
(1824), the son of a Congregational minister, educated 
in the common schools, he was a school-teacher and 
storekeeper. In 1854 he removed to New York City 
as a dry-goods merchant. At the outbreak of the war 
his firm failed at fifty cents on the dollar. Four years 
later he gave a dinner to his creditors, when each one 
found under his plate a check to cancel the debt. Be- 
ginning business again as a banker (1861), he was soon 
a leader, and then organized a bank in London (1868). 
He helped the United States resume specie payment, 
which saved the country $70,000,000, He was instru- 
mental^ also, in having the Alabama claims settled. 



278 SHOET HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Morton's Administration. — After making a fortune he 
entered politics. Congressman (1878), and minister to 
France (1880), he was nominated for Vice-President by 
the Republicans and elected (1888). Then he was 
elected governor of the state by 156,000 plurality over 
David B. Hill. In 1896 the Republican state conven- 
tion unanimously resolved to present his name for Presi- 
dent and he received 58 electoral votes. During his 
term as governor many laws were passed to enforce the 
new constitution. In 1895 there were passed 1,005 
laws. Patriotic laws required the flag to be floated over 
every schoolhouse, and provided for the purchase of 
historic sites and the erection of monuments to the 
brave dead. Reform measures were passed to improve 
and protect public health. The state board of 
charities was organized with extended powers over the 
poor and the unfortunate. Temperance legislation 
provided for the instruction of the youth in the evils of 
narcotics and liquors, and for a heavy tax on the sale of 
intoxicants. The scheme of statutory revision began 
with the enactment of ten general laws. And the peo- 
ple of the state voted to expend $9,000,000 on canal 
improvements. 

Suspected Corrupt Practices of the New York City 
police, and charges of election frauds, led to demands 
for an examination. Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst secured 
the appointment of a senate committee, but Governor 
Flower vetoed the bill to grant money for its expenses. 
Meanwhile Parkhurst organized the Society for the 
Prevention of Crime and became its president. Brav- 
ing the jeers and sneers, he and his co-workers began 
to ferret out the evils of the police system. It was 



JUBW YORK UNDER GOVERNOR MORTON 279 

soon evident that several city departments were sys- 
tematically plundering the public. Gamblers, lottery 
agents, saloon-keepers, and criminals Avere protected by 
policemen and even by judges by paying well for it. 
Appointments to the police force were sold — one cap- 
tain paying $15,000 for his office. 

Lexow Committee. — At last a senate committee com- 
posed of both parties, with Senator Clarence Lexow at 
its head, began its inquiries, John W. Goff conducted 
the investigation as chief counsel, and did it boldly and 
thoroughly. The data gathered by Parkhurst were used 
as a guide. The revelations aroused the public con- 
science for reform. The best citizens appointed a com- 
mittee of seventy to lead the political contest against 
the corrupt Tammany ring. Men of all parties united 
on a reform ticket and elected William L. Strong mayor 
over Hugh J. Grant by 45,000 votes. Goff was elected 
recorder of the city. 

Reform under Mayor Strong. — Week after week the 
Lexow^ committee worked on, and on January 17, 1895, 
made a public report. As a result a number of city 
officials w^ere indicted for corrupt practices, but only 
five were dismissed from office and but one was punished 
for crime. Under Mayor Strong, however, the city 
government was reformed. The legislature gave the 
mayor power to remove certain officials (Feb. 11, 1895), 
and he at once used his power to appoint honest men. 
The bipartisan police bill became a law (May 11), 
though denounced by the ardent reformers, and enabled 
the mayor to name some of the best men of the city as 
police commissioners. Another law enabled the mayor 
to remove police justices (April 25). Altogether 



2 so SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Major Strong removed 3,000 out of 5,000 city officials 
and radically changed the city government. On June 
16, 1805, the committee of seventy disbanded. 

Anniversary of the Founding of the Public-school 
System. — On April 9, 1795, the public-school system of 
the state was founded. It seemed fitting that the hun- 
dredth anniversary be celebrated. Therefore Governor 
Morton issued a proclamation asking the schools to 
" devote some portion at least of that day to appropriate 
exercises by the pupils, their officers and friends, in 
recognition of this important anniversary.'' The ad- 
dresses, patriotic songs, and decorations in the city, 
village, and country schools showed what magnificent 
results the century had wrought. 

The Atlanta Exposition. — The Empire State took an 
active part in promoting the Cotton States and Inter- 
national Exposition at Atlanta (1895). The legislature 
appropriated $25,000 and authorized Governor Morton 
to appoint a general commission. A fine New York 
state building was erected. The Chamber of Commerce 
of XcAv York City worked zealously for the enterprise. 
!N^ew York's exhibits were equal to those of any com- 
monwealth and won hundreds of gold and silver medals. 
The exposition did much to unite the north and the 
south in friendly sympathy. 

The Money Question. — In 1896 the money question 
caused a general breaking up of parties in ]^ew York. 
The Democratic state convention at Saratoga (June 24) 
declared against free silver. President Cleveland and 
William C. Whitney led the gold Democrats and were 
supported by the New Yorh Sun, the BrooMyn Eagle, 
and the Buffalo Courier, The revolt against the nomi- 



iVE'TF TORE UNDEE GOVERNOR MORTON 281 

nation of William J. Bryan for President was prompt 
and strong. Within a few hours many leading Demo- 
crats repudiated the free-silver Chicago platform. As 
a result the j)arty was hopelessly divided on the eve of 
a campaign, and defeat was certain. The state con- 
vention at Buffalo (Sept. 16) '' unreservedly indorsed '' 
Bryan and free silver and then, to hold the gold Demo- 
crats, nominated John Boyd Thatcher, a gold man, for 
governor. But the silver men forced him to decline 
the nomination. The state conunittee then named 
Wilbur F. Porter in his place. 

People's Party and Gold Democrats. — The People's 
party held their convention at Syracuse (Sept. 2), 
favored Bryan and free silver, and at a later meeting 
(Oct. 1) indorsed the Democratic candidates for the 
state. The gold Democrats met in I^ew York City 
(July 15), denounced the Chicago platform, and called 
for a new Democratic organization. They met again at 
Syracuse (Aug. 31), adopted a gold platform, and sent 
delegates to the sound-money convention at Indian- 
apolis. At a third meeting in Brooklyn (Sept. 24) they 
named Daniel G. Griffin for governor. 

The Republicans wxre now a unit, though there were 
still personal divisions. Of the fourteen candidates for 
governor Frank S. Black was nominated on the fourth 
ballot, and the national platform and candidates were 
heartily indorsed. Black was elected by the unpre- 
cedented plurality of 213,000 votes. McKinley re- 
ceived 820,000 votes in the state, Bryan 551,000, and 
other candidates 53,000. 



282 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



Chapter LV. — The City of Greater ^ew York 

Governor Black was a native of Maine (b. 1853), a 
poor farmer's son, who paid his own way through Dart- 
mouth College and won honors. Then he drifted to 
I^ew York, edited the Johnstown Journal, and at Troj 
was admitted to practice law (1879). He soon forged 
his way to the head of the bar of northern New York. 
Having unearthed election frauds in his oAvn county and 
secured the passage of a law to prevent their repetition, 
he was twice elected to Congress. Governor Black, in 
his inaugural message, urged prison reforms, just bank- 
ing and insurance laws, the abolition of the governor's 
staff, the encouragement of agriculture, canal improve- 
ments, the education of every boy and girl in the state, 
civil service, the preservation of the forests, and bi- 
ennial sessions of the legislature. 

Change in the Judicial System. — The most important 
change in the judicial system of l^ew York since 1846 
took place under Governor Black. The highest city 
courts were united with the supreme court, and the 
number of judges was increased. The state was divided 
into four supreme-court districts, and these courts 
decided finally on most questions. The court of appeals 
thus heard only a few questions of law and cases in- 
volving big sums of money. In the districts the 
supreme-court justices were made elective. Other 
courts were abolished, so that the whole system was 
simplified and made more effectual. The danger of 
delay was avoided and the people could secure more 
speedy justice. 



THE CITY OF GEEATER NEW YORK 283 

Origin of Greater New York. — In E^ew York " fully 
5,000,000, or 70 per cent of the entire population,'' said 
Governor Morton, '^ live in cities or incorporated vil- 
lages." This fact shows the centralizing tendency of 
the centurv. The climax was reached in the formation 
of the city of Greater New York. Andrew H. Green 
was the father of the idea and early began the agitation. 
In 1890 the legislature appointed a Greater I^ew York 
commission, with Green as president. Governor Flower 
signed the Greater New York bill (1894), and the 
question went to the various communities interested 
(Nov. 6). This preliminary vote showed a small ma- 
jority in favor of consolidation — in Brooklyn only 277. 
There was fierce opposition and charges and counter- 
charges of political schemes were made. Mass-meetings 
were held in Brooklyn to denounce the movement and 
73,000 citizens petitioned to have the question voted 
on again. 

Greater New York a Fact. — In 1896 the legislature 
passed a bill to unite the communities around New York 
harbor into one great city. A new commission was ap- 
pointed to draw up a charter and to suggest further ac- 
tion. Mayor Strong, Seth Low, and thirteen other 
prominent men formed it. A report was made in favor 
of creating a Greater New York (Feb. 22, 1897), and 
then the legislature granted the charter (March 24). 
The charter, filling a book of 700 pages, was sent to the 
mayors of New York, Brooklyn, and Long Island City 
for approval. If one of them vetoed it. the legislature 
would have to repass it. In general the people favored 
the change. It was thoroughly discussed in pamphlets, 
papers^ and clubs. Mayor Strong vetoed the charter 



284 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TORE 

(April 9), but the legislature passed it again and the 
governor signed it (May 5). Greater New York was 
now a fact. 

Government. — This new political organization included 
New York City, and Kings, Richmond, and part of 
Queens counties. It was divided into five boroughs: 
Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Rich- 
mond. Each borough was to elect its own president for 
four years. Legislative power rested in a council of 
twenty-nine members, elected for four years, and in a 
board of sixty aldermen, chosen for two years. The 
mayor was elected for four years at a salary of $15,- 
000. He could remove and appoint within the first six 
months of his term all heads of departments not elec- 
tive, such as law, police, parks, buildings, charities, cor- 
rection, fire, docks, health, and public improvements. 
Other boards and bureaus were created to carry on the 
government. Civil courts were replaced by municipal 
courts. The charter thus gave the city more home rule 
than ever before. Franchises were limited to twenty- 
five years, and minority representation was allowed. 
On January 1, 1898, the charter went into effect. 

Proposed Changes. — The government of the metrop- 
olis, in accordance with the charter, has elicited much 
praise and much blame. In fact the weaknesses of the 
charter were so evident that Governor Roosevelt ap- 
pointed sixteen representatives from the various bor- 
oughs to revise it. This committee, knowing the needs 
of various interests, recommended, on December 1, 
1900, that a number of changes be made. The legis- 
lature then amended the charter (April 22, 1901). The 
council was abolished and the legislative power put into 



THE CITY OF GREATER NEW YORK 285 

the hands of 73 aklermen. The mayor's term of office 
was reduced to two years, but his power to remove 
public officers was greatly increased. The presidents 
of boroughs were given more power and their term 
was limited to two years. The board of estimate and 
apportionment was given increased power over the 
city's finances, and consisted of the mayor, comptroller, 
and the president of the board of aldermen, mtli three 
votes each; the presidents of Manhattan and Brooklyn 
boroughs, with two votes apiece ; and the presidents of 
the boroughs of the Bronx, Richmond, and Queens, with 
one vote each. Certain boards were abolished and their 
powers centralized in the hands of single responsible 
departments, which in turn were reduced in number. 
All salaries wore fixed by a central authority. 

Institutions. — Greater New York covers 359 square 
miles and has a population of 3,500,000. Of the cities 
in the world London alone surpasses it. It sends over a 
third of the members of the assembly, and soon will 
have a majority in the senate. It has 1,100 churches, 
two great universities, nearly 100 other educational in- 
stitutions of high grade, 63 libraries, 30 art galleries, 54 
theaters, 112 hotels, and 218 banks. It has over 73,000 
acres in parks, 1,200 miles of streets, 1,156 miles of 
sewers, 350 miles of water front, Q^ miles of elevated 
railroads, 466 miles of street railways, an annual 
city budget of $98,000,000, and real estate valued at 
$3,500,000,000. Every year it raises $77,000,000 in 
taxes. Its foreign commerce is more than that of all 
the rest of the United States. 

First Election. — There was a great political contest for 
the control of the first city in America. The Citizens' 



^SQ SHOUT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Union wished to separate local from state or national 
politics, and nominated Seth Low for mayor. Many 
Eepublicans refused to indorse him, and named G-eneral 
Benjamin F. Tracy. The United Democracy selected 
Henry George, the great labor leader. The Tammany 
Democrats put forth Eobert A. Van Wyck. The 
Socialist-Labor party and the Prohibitionists also had 
candidates. The campaign was extraordinary in both 
the number of parties and confusion of issues. The Sun 
turned Eepublican, and the Tribune favored Low. The 
contest was furious and exciting. As it closed Henry 
George died and was at once replaced by his son. Van 
Wyck was elected by a plurality of 80,000 over Low. 
The Democrats also elected presidents of the five 
boroughs. Thus closed one of the most memorable 
local campaigns in the history of the state. The Demo- 
crats were also victorious in the state elections (1897). 

Nassau County. — In 1898 a new county was created 
in the state. It was called Nassau, and was the smallest 
of the 61 counties. Its population was nearly 50,000 
and it included the towns of ITorth Hempstead and 
Oyster Bay and part of Hempstead. The new county 
runs from the Atlantic 22 miles across to Long Island 
Sound, and is about 16 miles wide. The assessed value 
is $25,000,000. It became a separate county January 
1, 1899. 

A New State Proposed. — The agitation about Greater 
^ew York led to the proposal to form the city of ITew 
York and some of the surrounding counties into a new 
state. The project was even introduced into the legis- 
lature (March 22, 1897). This would make the upper 
state Eepublican and the lower one Democratic. The 



WAE WITH SPAIJS" AND ITS RESULTS 287 

proposition met with little favor from any section or 
party. 

Primary~election Law. — Under Governor Black an 
effort was made to end the shameful frauds long known 
to exist in the primary elections of both parties. A law 
was passed to reform the primaries (March 23, 1899). 
All voters were required to register before being 
allowed to vote at a party primary. The preliminary 
election was to occur before election officials by secret 
ballots. The law gave general satisfaction, especially in 
the cities. 



Chapter LVI. — War with Spain and its Results 

Causes of the War. — The w^ar with Spain took place 
while Black w^as governor. In 1895 the Cubans, for 
the sixth time in fifty years, rebelled against Spanish 
rule. A ruinous war followed. President Grant had, 
during a previous revolt, offered '^ in the name of 
humanity ... to put an end to the strife," but Spain 
rejected the offer. In vain President Cleveland made 
a similar proposition. President McKinley declared to 
Congress that the most important problem was " its 
duty towards Spain and the Cuban insurrection." The 
shameful blowing up of the Maine made war inevitable 
(Feb. 15, 1898). Congress voted $50,000,000 for war, 
demanded the independence of Cuba, and authorized 
the President to use force (April 19). Spain at once 
declared war, and the contest " in the interest of 
humanitv " had begun. 



288 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

New York's Part. — From the first ISTew York took an 
active interest in the struggle. Wealth fears war, hence 
many merchants and bankers opposed it. But the 
masses were with the President. The legislature im- 
mediately voted $1,000,000 to pay the soldiers and 
sailors. The sons of IN^ew York volunteered with eager- 
ness. They came from farm, shop, pulpit, desk, and 
college in overwhelming numbers. They were found 
among the Rough Riders, in the infantry, cavalry, and 
on the battle-ships. By May 2, 12,000 troops were in 
camp at Peekskill and Hempstead. Prominent among 
the army officers of this state was Theodore Roosevelt, 
the daring leader of the Rough Riders, who resigned his 
position in the !N^avy Department to fight for his 
country. 

End of the War.— The three months' war was notable 
for the wonderful activity of the daily press of New 
York City. The people had the details placed at their 
doors almost as soon as they occurred. On August 12 
President McKinley declared the war ended. Spain re- 
linquished her title to Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, 
and the Philippines to the United States, which paid 
$20,000,000 for the latter. For the first time this 
country held possessions in the eastern world. Many 
of the natives of the Philippines refused to recognize 
the sovereignty of the United States and broke out in 
rebellion. With the capture of Aguinaldo, their leader, 
the insurrection subsided (1901). 

Dewey Honored. — The reception given to Admiral 
George Dewey, the hero of Manila Bay, by 'New York 
was a magnificent ovation (Sept. 29, 1899). The cele- 
bration in the metropolis lasted two days and was wit- 



WAR WITH SPAIN AND ITS RESULTS 289 

nessed by 2,000,000 visitors. On the first day E'ew 
York Bay and Hudson River were black with all kinds 
of craft to honor the man who " only did his duty." 
Mayor Van Wyck bestowed upon him the freedom of 
the city and said : " The greatest reception awaits you 
that was ever tendered military or civil hero." The 
great naval parade was led by Dewey on the Olympia, 
followed by several dozen vessels that had seen service 
in the war, 100 steam-yachts, and then merchant marine 
and excursion boats. The line extended several miles up 
the river past Grant's tomb. The songs, flags and 
banners, and roars of saluting cannon revealed the civic 
pride of a chivalrous people. At night the same spirit 
was manifested in banquets, balls, and firew^orks. 
Greater ^ew York was ablaze from one end to the 
other. Brooklyn Bridge was aglow with letters thirty 
feet high reading '' Welcome, Dewey," and the grand 
triumphal arch at Madison Square was lighted up all 
night. 

The Next Day was given up to an ovation on land. 
The city's guest landed from his ship early in the morn- 
ing and was driven to the City Hall, where the mayor 
presented him with a fine gold loving-cup and 1,500 
school children sang national hymns. The military 
parade was unexcelled by any ever seen in the city. On 
the grand stand with Dewey were prominent men from 
all parts of the state and Nation. The troops of ten 
states joined the navy in the parade. The displays and 
festivities of the second evening closed the reception. 
Cities and villages over the state welcomed the victor 
with smaller celebrations. 



290 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Canal Improvements. — The people had authorized the 
improvement of the canals to the extent of $9,000,000 
(Kov., 1895), and it was decided to deepen the Erie and 
Oswego canals to 9 feet and the Champlain canal to 8 
feet. The work began, and in 1897 it was seen that the 
large appropriation was not enough to finish the work. 
An investigation was demanded to see whether the 
money had been properly spent, and also to estimate 
how much was needed to complete the work. Seven 
men of ability and honesty were appointed a committee. 
Their report charged the state officials with carelessness, 
fraud, and the misuse of at least $1,000,000. The canal 
frauds thus became an issue in the coming state 
election. 

The Campaign of 1898 was remarkable for the issues 
and the candidates. It was soon evident that Colonel 
Theodore Roosevelt, fresh from his Cuban victories 
with the gallant Rough Riders, was the popular can- 
didate. This the Republican leaders saw, and nomi- 
nated him for governor at Saratoga (Sept. 27), with 
Timothy L. Woodruff for second place. The Democrats 
met at Syracuse and named Judge Augustus Van Wyck 
of Brooklyn, brother of the mayor of ^ew York City, 
as governor, and Elliot Danforth for lieutenant-gov- 
ernor. The Silver Democrats selected Henry George, 
Jr., who declined the nomination, and then Henrv M. 
McDonald. 

Election of Governor Roosevelt. — The situation was 
uncommon. The Republicans had been in power four 
years and Black had been an efficient governor, but the 
canal scandal was charged up to them, and the superin- 
tendent of public works was arrested for the misuse of 



WAR WITH SPAIN AND ITS RESULTS 291 



funds. The Democrats used these facts with telling- 
effect in their campaign speeches and literature, and 
sought to exclude national issues. Colonel Roosevelt 
promised rigid reforms in canal management and 
brought in national issues. Both candidates made tours 
over the state and addressed thousands. The " warrior 
statesman " carried the people with him, and won the 
election by a plurality of 18,000 votes. He entered 
upon his duties January 1, 1899. 

Governor Roosevelt was born in !N'ew York City 
(1858), was graduated from Harvard (1880), studied 
law, and at the age of 23 
i\'as sent to the assembly, 
wdiere he remained four 
vears. Defeated for the 
mayoralty of the metropo- 
lis (1886), President Cleve- 
land appointed him a mem- 
ber of the United States 
Civil Service Commission, 
and Mayor Strong made 
him a police commissioner 
in Is^ew York City (1895). 
After improving the de- 
moralized police force he theodore roosevelt 
resigned to become Assistant Secretary of the N'avy 
(April 6, 1897), in which capacity he helped to pre- 
pare the navy for its swdft and brilliant victories in the 
war wdth Spain. 

His Part in the Late War. — For years he spent his 
vacations hunting in the west. He came to know and 
admire the cowboys. His military training was secured 




292 8H0BT HISTORY OF TEE STATE OF NEW YORK 

as a member of the ^ew York National Guard (1884-8). 
His patriotism and love of an active life led Mm to re- 
sign his i^osition at Washington and to raise a regiment 
of Rough Riders for the war. Cowboys from the west, 
policemen, and college athletes from the east, rich and 
poor, but all brave Americans, filled the ranks. Their 
gallant charge at San Juan Hill, Cuba, was one of the 
most brilliant deeds of the war. 

His Literary "Work. — Statesman, traveler, hunter, 
ranchman, and soldier, he is also an essayist and histo- 
rian. His histories of the west, of naval affairs in the 
War of 1812, of the city of :N'ew York, and of the 
Rough Riders, are standard works. His biographies 
are clear and complete, and his essays cover a multitude 
of subjects. 

Investigation of Canal Frauds.— True to his word, 
Governor Roosevelt began a thorough investigation of 
the canal scandal (March 8, 1899). He engaged two 
prominent Democratic lawyers to conduct legal proceed- 
ings. Five experts were appointed to examine the case. 
A divided report was made. Evidence seemed to show 
that the charges of fraud were exaggerated. E'o fur- 
ther prosecutions were made, and the excitement died 
away or was swallowed up in a discussion over a large 
barge canal. Governor Roosevelt urged such a canal at 
a cost of $63,000,000, and in April, 1900, the legisla- 
ture appropriated $200,000 for a canal survey. 

Roosevelt's Administration.— The legislature was Re- 
publican by a small majority and ably seconded Roose- 
velt's policy and measures. Perhaps the most im- 
portant law enacted was the one taxing public fran- 
chises. The governor urged this action in a special mes- 



WAR WITH SPAI]^ AND ITS RESULTS 293 

sage (March 27, 1900). The purpose was to force rich 
corporations to pay a just proportion of taxes. The bill 
was passed and became a law. It was estimated that 
$17,000,000 would be realized in taxes over the state 
from this source, and that the poorer classes would be 
relieved to that extent. An anti-trust law Avas also 
passed. The law legalizing prize-fighting was repealed. 
These and other measures will make Governor Koose- 
velt's administration one of note in the history of the 
state. 

The Mazet Committee. — The Democrats, organized in 
Tammany Hall, controlled the city government of IN^ew 
York, and the Republicans ruled the state. The latter 
charged the former with having a corrupt police force, 
and appointed the Mazet committee to investigate 
(March 31, 1899). Of the committee five were Repub- 
licans and two were Democrats. Senator Piatt urged 
this course, but Dr. Parkhurst denounced it as a political 
scheme. After many weeks' work the committee made 
a divided report (Jan. 15, 1901). The majority thought 
the situation warranted state interference, and sug- 
gested eight reform bills. The minority stood for home 
rule and reformation. A committee Avas appointed to 
re^dse the charter. 

Prominent New-Yorkers have been called to places of 
honor and trust in the national goA'Crnment. To suc- 
ceed EdAvard Murphy, Jr., Chauncey M. DepcAV, prom- 
inent in business and politics, Avas elected United States 
senator by a Republican legislature and joined his col- 
league, Thomas C. Piatt, in the Senate (Jan. 12, 1900). 
President McKinley appointed Joseph H. Choate, a 
famous lawyer, as ambassador to England (1899). Elihu 



294 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Root was called to the President's cabinet as Secretary 
of War. 

As the Presidential Election of 1900 approached it be- 
came apparent that the Eepublicans would renominate 
President McKinley. Their general choice for Vice- 
President was Governor Roosevelt. At first he declined 
to be a candidate (Feb. 12), but the ^N'ational Republican 
Convention held at Philadelphia (June 21) unanimously 
nominated him with McKinley. The Democrats named 
Bryan and Stevenson (July 4). The campaign was a 
memorable one in our history. The issues were money, 
trusts, and our foreign possessions. McKinley and 
Roosevelt were elected by a large majority (Nov. 6). 
The state election was conducted wholly on national 
issues and was an educational campaign. The Repub- 
licans elected Benjamin B. Odell, Jr., and Timothy L. 
Woodruff as governor and lieutenant-governor by a 
plurality of 111,000 over John B. Stanchfield and 
William F. Mackev, the Democratic nominees. The 
legislature was also Republican by a large majority. 

Anti-vice Crusade. — A loud outcry of the press and 
public against the corruptions in the city of Xew York 
led to an official crusade against vice (March, 1900). 
The question was taken up in the annual convention of 
the Episcopal Church (Sept. 27). Bishop Potter laid 
the matter before Mayor Van Wyck (Nov.), who 
promised to do all he could to remedy the situation. 
The agitation continued through 1901, and had much 
to do with the campaign for the election of a mayor. 
The numerous anti-Tammany organizations nominated 
for mayor Seth Low, President of Columbia Uni- 
versity. The Tammany party, under the leadership of 



WAR WITH SPAIIi AND ITS RESULTS 295 

Richard Croker, selected as their candidate Edward M. 
Shepard. The contest resulted in the election of Seth 
Low as second mayor of Greater J^ew York. All his 
associates on the ticket were also elected. 

The New-World Fair. — Xew York has always taken 
an active interest in every effort to advance civilization. 
Her exhibits at the Paris Exposition (1900) were an 
honor to the commonwealth. Her metropolis voted 
$10,000 for a relief map of the whole city, and Buffalo 
did the same thing. The first Pan-American Congress 
(1889-1900) was the father of the great Pan-American 
Exposition held at Buffalo during the summer of 1901 
to show the Kew World's progress in all lines of human 
effort. The project was conceived in 1897, approved by 
President McKinley the next year, and then authorized 
by the ^ew York state legislature (Jan., 1899). The 
state appropriated $300,000 for a state building and 
exhibits (March 1), and Congress gave $500,000 (March 
3). Vice-President Boosevelt formally opened the ex- 
position on May 20, 1901. 

Assassinaition of President McKinley. — This worthy 
enterprise, however, w^as marred by one of the blackest 
crimes in our history. On September 6 the w^orld was 
startled by the news that President McKinley had been 
shot w^hile attending the Pan-American Exposition. 
September 5 was President's Day, and the President 
delivered a masterly speech before a multitude of peo- 
ple. The next day he visited Niagara Ealls in the fore- 
noon, and returned in time to hold a reception at the ex- 
position, in the Temple of Music, in the afternoon. 
While shaking hands with the people he was treacher- 
ously and wickedly shot by an anarchist. A sad- 



296 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

hearted nation awaited the result. Soon the country 
was told that the President's recovery was certain. 
The reports w^ere encouraging until the 12th, when a 
sudden change for the worse took place. Finally in the 
early morning of Saturday, September 14, in the bosom 
of the Queen City of the Empire State, surrounded by 
his heart-broken relatives, and grave warriors and 
statesmen, in the midst of many thousands who came 
from all parts of the earth to see the progress of the 
Xew AVorld, and while a whole nation wept, the stricken 
chief said: '' Good-by, all; good-by. It is God's way. 
His will be done." 

Roosevelt Becomes President. — Vice-President Theo- 
dore Roosevelt had hastened to Buffalo upon learning of 
the attack upon the President. But when he was de- 
clared to be out of danger the Vice-President joined his 
family in the Adirondacks. The unexpected change in 
the President's condition recalled him to Buffalo. He 
reached the city about noon on Saturday, the 14th. 
After visiting the Milburn house to honor his dead 
leader, the cabinet members asked him to take the oath 
■ of office of President of the United States. " I am 
ready to take the oath," he replied. " And I wish to say 
that it shall be my aim to continue, absolutely unbroken, 
the policies of President McKinley for the peace, the 
prosperity, and the honor of our beloved country." 
Judge Hazel then administered the oath, and Theodore 
Roosevelt became the twenty-sixth President of the 
Republic, and the fifth man to be thus honored from 
this commonwealth. 

Memorial Services for the Dead President. — All day 
Sunday, after simple and beautiful services at the Mil- 



WAE WITH SPAI^ AND ITS RESULTS 297 

burn house, the dead President lay in state in the Buf- 
falo City Hall. Monday a special train bore the body 
to Washington through a continuous double line of 
mourners. On Tuesday impressive services were held 
in the rotunda of the Capitol, and that night the funeral 
train left for Canton, Ohio. The next day the remains 
of the President lay in state among his friends and 
neighbors. On Thursday, September 19, the martyred 
President was buried. Memorial services were held in 
the chief cities of the world, and in every city, hamlet, 
and home in the United States. " The people never 
lost one whom thev had loved better." 

The Failure of Anarchy. — The misguided assassin, 
forgiven by his noble victim, sa.ved with difficulty from 
an enraged people, and given a fair trial according to 
law, was a Pole of American birth. His trial was 
prompt and dignified. He was sentenced to be electro- 
cuted on October 29 at Auburn prison. The attack on 
our free institutions lost us one great leader and gave us 
another, but, aside from the sad tragedy, it only served 
as another illustration of the stability of our institu- 
tions. The nation arose to a man to denounce the futile 
attack of anarchy, and made it manifest that the people 
love and will defend their cherished institutions. 



298 SHOUT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF IfEW TORE 



Chapter LYII. — Progress in Population and 

Industry 

General Advance. — While these political events were 
occurring the great Empire State was steadily march- 
ing forward in industrial, educational, religious, and 
social lines. The commonwealth was becoming richer, 
more enlightened, better, and happier than ever before. 
]N^ew York still leads in numbers, as has been true for 
seventy-five years. The population in 1880 was 5,083,- 
000, and in 1900 it was 7,268,000. This was twenty- 
one times as large as in 1790, and as great as that of the 
whole country in 1810. Nearly a million of the people 
were foreign-born, and were found mostly in I^ew 
York, Kings, Erie, Queens, Westchester, and Albany 
counties. Thev constituted one-tenth of all the for- 
eign-born in the nation. They were located mostly in 
the large cities, the percentage being for the borough of 
K'ew York 42, the borough of Brooklyn 33, Buffalo 35, 
Pochester 30, Albany 24, Syracuse 25, Troy 28, Utica 
27, Yonkers 34, and Binghamton 14. About 61 per 
cent of them are naturalized, and 33 per cent speak 
English. The process of Americanizing them is rapid 
and encouraging. We must remember that 57 per 
cent of the people are of foreign parentage, and that 
the ^^ sons and grandsons of immigrants of fifty years 
back have, as a whole, become good Americans.'' 

Cities and Villages. — The 460 incorporated villages 
and cities have been following on the heels of New 
York. In half a century small villages have become 
flourishing centers of trade and industry. Buffalo now 



PROGRESS m POPULATION AND INDUSTRY 299 

covers 50 square miles and has a population of 400,000. 
In 1880 the inhabitants numbered only 155,000. The 
Queen City of the Great Lakes, the chief eastern port 
on the lakes and a great thriving railroad and 
canal shipping point, is the pride and honor of the 
state. Albany, the capital city, with nearly three hun- 
dred years of splendid history, has grown steadily. In 
1820 the population was only 12,500. Now the city 
covers 11 square miles and the inhabitants number 
100,000. There the lawmakers assemble year after 
year to conduct the state's business. Her trade and 
manufactures, lumber and foundries make her an 
active commercial center. Trom a few houses less than 
a century ago Rochester has grown to a city of 175,- 
000, famous the world over for her flour-mills and 
clothing-factories. The little village of Salina has 
spread over 23 square miles of swamps and hills as 
Syracuse with 130,000 people. The Convention City 
has a wide reputation for her salt-works and bicycle- 
factories. This " most wonderful out-of-the-way 
place," as Dickens called it in 1868, has one hundred 
and fifty separate industries producing $25,000,000 
worth of goods. 

The Smaller Cities have kept proportionate pace with 
the larger ones. The steel-works, car-shops, stove- 
foundries, and collar-factories have made Troy w^ell 
known and increased the population to 65,000. Utica 
follows Troy with 60,000 inhabitants, and has large car- 
riage-works and boiler-shops. Yonkers covers 21 miles 
with 45,000 people, and is noted for beautiful residences 
and manufacturing interests. Elmira with her iron- 
works and tanneries, Oswego with her lake traffic and 



300 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

starch-works, Geneva witli lier nurseries, Schenectady 
with her electric works, Dunkirk with her locomotive- 
works, Cohoes with her mills, Poughkeepsie with her 
breweries and iron-furnaces, Watertown mth her flour- 
mills and paper-mills, and other places with their par- 
ticular interests, are now what the large cities were half 
a century ago. 

The Last City. — Of the thirty largest cities in the 
United States four are in ]!^ew York. There are eight 
cities containing above 50,000 inhabitants each, and 
twenty-one of over 20,000 each. The thirty-eighth city 
to be incorporated was Water^diet (May, 1896) with a 
population noAV of 15,000. It is famous for railroad 
supplies, electric materials, bells, stoves, cement, shawls, 
and knit goods. The national arsenal located there 
makes 16-inch guns for coast defense. The lumber 
trade is second to that of Albany. Because just across 
the river from Troy, the city has but one newspaper, 
and that is a weekly. 

[ New York First in Wealth.— In 1850 :N'ew York's 
assessed value Avas $1,080,000,000 This gave her first 
place, which she has held ever since. To-day the 
assessed value is $9,000,000,000 and the state taxes 
amount to almost $100,000,000. Thus in wealth :N'ew 
York has kept pace with her general improvement. 

First in Manufacturing. — The Empire State still leads 
in manufacturing, a rank kept for more than half a cen- 
tury. The 23,500 establishments of 1850 now number 
75,000. Fifty years ago 200,000 hands were employed, 
but to-day over a million are thus engaged. Then $49,- 
000,000 were paid in wages, and in 1890 $467,000,000. 
The $100,000,000 capital invested half a century ago 



PROGRESS IN POPULATION' ANB INDUSTRY 301 

increased five-fold in thirty years, doubled the next 
decade, and now approximates $1,600,000,000. Dur- 
ing these five decades the value of products has jumped 
from $238,000,000 to nearly $2,500,000,000. These 
startling figures show a growth unequaled in the 
world's history. 

The Chief Products are, in the order named, men's 
clothing, foundry and machine-shop materials, malt 
liquors, flour- and grist-mill products, tobacco, cigars 
and cigarettes, women's clothing, and printing and pub- 
lishing. ;N"ew York leads the states in the manufac- 
ture of millinery goods, art materials, awnings and 
tents, carriages and wagons, books, boots and shoes, 
bakery products, furniture, street-cars, cheese and 
butter, confectionery, clothing, barrels, electrical 
apparatus, files, flags, food preparations, foundry prod- 
ucts, furs, men's furnishing goods, gas, gloves and 
mittens, glue, hats and caps, hardware, horseshoes, ink, 
lamps, mattresses, mirrors, monuments, musical instru- 
ments, optical goods, paints, paper, printed material, 
harness, showcases, and hundreds of less important 
things. 

The Salt Industry. — The salt springs, early known to 
the Indians and Jesuits, were first used by Asa Danf orth 
and Colonel Comfort Tyler to make salt at Syracuse 
(1789). The water was boiled in kettles, and the salt 
sold for a dollar a bushel. The state bought the '^salt 
reservation " of the Indians (1788). The first superin- 
tendent was William Stephens (1797). Brine was 
pumped from shallow wells. In 1838 a well 600 feet 
deep was sunk. The industry became important in 
Cayuga, Oneida, Delaware, Madison, Broome, Cort- 



302 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

land, Oswego, Wajne, Monroe, Livingston, Orleans, 
and Niagara counties. The discovery of a 70-foot 
layer of rock salt at Wyoming 1,279 feet below the sur- 
face was an accident (1878). This rock-salt mining 
soon largely superseded the older industry. In 1890 
[N'ew York produced 31 per cent of all salt in the 
country, over 16,000,000 bushels, and was surpassed 
only by Michigan. Two years later the output was 
23,000,000 bushels, valued at eight cents a bushel. 
There are seventv factories in the state. 

Farms. — For some years there has been a movement 
of money and men from the farms to the cities. The 
number of farms has increased from 171,000 (1850) to 
226,000 (1890), and the average size has fallen from 
112 to 97 acres. In 1880 the improved land was 
17,718,000 acres, but ten years later it had fallen to 
16,390,000 acres. At the same time the value of farms 
fell $77,000,000, and mortgages on real estate amounted 
to $2,277,000,000. The farm machinery improved, but 
the land, fences, and buildings were neglected. People 
raised more live stock than before. Horses and swine 
increased, but mules and sheep decreased in number. 

Farm Products varied. Wool decreased almost one- 
half in half a century. Milk increased twelve-fold in 
thirty years, while butter fell 23,700,000 pounds in ten 
years (1880-90), and cheese dropped 50 per cent. 
More poultry was raised and more eggs and honey sold 
than ever before. With a greater use of fertilizers 
more grain was harvested. Fewer acres were sowed 
in 1890 than in 1880, but more barley, buckwheat, oats, 
and rve were raised, and less corn and wheat. Hav in- 
creased 1,400,000 tons, and tobacco had become a pay- 



PROGRESS IN POPULATION AND INDUSTRY 803 

ing industry. Potatoes, hops, broom-corn, and garden 
produce all decreased. Fruits were raised more ex- 
tensively. It is evident from these facts that farming 
as an industry has been outstripped by manufacturing. 
Agriculture has made little advance in the last twenty 
years, and in many lines has declined. The causes are 
the low^ price of farm products, competition with the 
fertile west, easy means of reaching the markets, and 
better returns for capital and labor in other lines. Yet 
in the last ten years the state has spent nearly $3,400,- 
000 for agricultural purposes. The future must solve 
grave agricultural problems. 

Industrial Centralization. — The modern industrial ten- 
dency is toward centralization. Labor and capital 
have each organized for its own advantage. Although 
capital and its products have increased so marvel- 
ously, the number of factories has decreased very notice- 
ably. In 1880 there were 265 manufactories of agricul- 
tural implements, employing $10,000,000. Ten years 
later the capital had doubled, but the factories had been 
reduced to 116. Leather establishments changed from 
571 to 200 during the same time. Boot and shoe indus- 
tries decreased from 272 to 251, wdiile the money in- 
vested doubled. Paper-mills dropped from 168 to 128, 
and the capital increased $5,000,000. The salt-works 
were reduced in number, while the capital tripled. 
Flour-mills fell from 1,768 to 1,235, but the capital 
increased a million. 

Trusts. — So dangerous has this centralization seemed 
to many that the legislature has been urged to pass laws 
restricting combines or trusts. A committee was named 
to investigate them (Feb., 1897). An anti-trust law was 



304 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

passed in 1899 prohibiting the formation of trusts in 
the state. It was estimated that there were 72 trusts in 
Xew York alone. The question became a national 
political issue in 1900. 

Labor. — Along with trusts have come organizations of 
labor. The people of nearly every branch of trade and 
industry are united into societies for mutual help and 
protection. As a result there have been strikes, boy- 
cotts, and lockouts in shops, factories, coal-mines, on 
railroads, street-cars, bridges, and other lines of work. 
Thousands of dollars have been lost in wages, much 
property has been destroyed, the public has suffered, and 
the state has been put to an enormous expense. In 
1898 there were 1,009 labor unions in the state and 
30,000 unemployed men. Grave problems in this line 
remain to be solved in this century. 

Remarkable Age. — The dawn of the twentieth century 
closed the most wonderful industrial century the world 
has seen. The innumerable inventions seem to be 
almost superhuman achievements. They meet us at 
every turn and make life happier and easier in a thou- 
sand different ways. The part the Empire State has 
played in this progress is one which may well fill her 
citizens with conscious pride. 



COMMERCIAL PROSPEHITT 305 



Chapter LVIII. — Commercial Prosperity 

Transportation. — A large increase in farm and fac- 
tory products demanded improved means of transpor- 
tation. The 132 railroads in the state in 1880 covered 
nearly 6,000 miles, with 4,000 miles of side-track, cost 
$600,000,000, and handled 1,150,000 tons of freight 
yearly. In ten years there were 7,653 miles, and 8,230 
miles in 1900. Xew York now ranks fourth in rail- 
roads, but still has more miles than most of the coun- 
tries of Europe. In 1890 more than 527,000 persons 
were engaged in trade and transportation, and in 1900 
74,000,000 passengers were carried on the steam-roads. 

Street-cars. — John Stephenson introduced the first 
horse street-car in 1831 in ^ew York City, and in 1869 
an elevated railroad four miles long, drawn by a cable, 
was used. In 1879 32 miles of elevated tracks were 
operated, and in 1885 such a road was introduced into 
Brooklyn, which had 25 miles a decade later. In 1883 
the cable was first used on Brooklyn Bridge, and then 
adopted on surface roads in ^ew York (1886). In 1880 
there were 385 miles of street-car lines in the state, and 
in 1898 2,293 miles. Greater ^N'ew York is now the 
first city in the nation in this respect. About 1,986,- 
000,000 persons are carried in one year on these lines. 

Electricity has driven out horses and even locomotives. 
Binghamton first used it as power on a five-mile road 
(1886) wdiich is still operating. In 1890 there were 
only 61 miles of electric roads, but in 1897 there were 
1,862 miles. The cars doubled in number, and the 
capital invested tripled. This is an ^^ electric age." 



S06 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Tlie great silent power was applied first to the telegraph, 
and then was soon used in connection with other inven- 
tions. It was early employed by the E^ew York police 
system (1856), and then adapted to honse- and street- 
lighting. The first electric lamp was used in 1876, 




NIAGARA FALL to 



and the incandescent lamp in 1880. The first busi- 
ness firm to use electricity for illuminating purposes 
was in ^ew York City (1881), and then it was em- 
ployed in a mill at ^ewburg. The first hotel to adopt 
it was the Blue Mountain House in the Adirondacks. 
The New Yorh Herald was the first newspaper to intro- 
duce it (1882), and the same year a part of the metropo- 
lis was lighted by it, and then Lockport adopted it. By 



COMMERCIAL PROSPERITY 307 

1890 the 7 electric-light plants (1880) had increased to 
650, and 57 steamboats and 10 electric roads were 
using the power. For police patrol 5 cities were em- 
ploying electricity, and 36 for jS.re-alarms. Electric 
welding and smelting began. Electricity is also fonnd 
to be helpful for heating and domestic purposes, and 
serviceable for physicians, surgeons, and hospitals. 
Every city, village, and home is made happier by the 
great discovery. It was early seen that the great falls 
of Magara might be used for vast industrial purposes. 
The Niagara Power Company put up a plant of 27,000 
horse-power, and another corporation has one of 100,- 
COO horse-power. The first practical test of the hy- 
draulic tunnel, which cost $4,000,000, made by the sec- 
ond company, was a success (Jan. 25, 1894). The mar- 
velous lighting effects at the Pan-American Exposition 
were derived from that source. It is hoped that in time 
the tremendous power now wasted may be utilized for 
factories, light, street-cars, and railroads. 

The Canals have continued to be a source of profit to 
the state and a convenience to the public. The rail- 
roads have been strong competitors, but under free tolls 
(1882) the canal trade continues to be enormous. 
Wheat is carried from Chicago to Xew York for four 
cents a bushel, and corn for a little less. The price 
from Buffalo to ISTew York is three and two cents. In 
1900 more than 3,350,000 tons were carried on the 
canals. Various routes have been suggested for a great 
ship canal connecting the Great Lakes with the ocean, 
but the project remains for the future. The Harlem 
ship-canal was opened June 17, 1895, with a land and 
marine parade, banquet, and firew^orks. It opens up 



308 BHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YOUK 

navigation directly from Hudson River to Long Island 
Sound. Congress appropriated $2,700,000 for the 
work. On March 24, 1900, the mayor of Xew York 
City cut the earth in front of the City Hall, and work 
on the rapid transit raihvay began. In a few years this 
underground railroad will carry passengers '' to Harlem 
in fifteen minutes." It will cost $35,000,000. The 
Hudson tunnel, connecting Jersey City with Greater 
[N'ew York, begun in 1873 and long delayed, will be 
completed in due time. 

Commerce. — ^ew York is the greatest commercial 
state in the union. In 1900 there were nearly 5,000 
licensed vessels, 185 being new ones. This is three times 
the number in any other commonwealth. The canal 
traffic, mostly of agricultural, forest, and mining prod- 
ucts, amounts to $96,000,000 (1897). In 1898 24,426,- 
000 bushels of corn were carried east from Buffalo. IvTo 
other state has better advantages for traffic by water 
than ]N^ew York. The increase in trade has been phenom- 
enal. In 1836 at Buffalo 1,240,000 bushels of grain 
were received; sixtv vears later the amount was 214,- 
355,000 bushels. Through Lake Champlain the trade 
is large in coal, stone, iron ore, and lumber. The com- 
merce at l^ew York is truly gigantic. Only a few cen- 
turies ago the great emporium was but a point on Man- 
hattan Island; to-day it is the best mart of the world. 

Trade. — Before the Revolution the trade of l^ew 
York was inferior to that of the Carolinas, Georgia, 
Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, or I^ew England. 
The English Board of Trade reported to Parliament that 
^^ they have no manufactures in the Province of ^N'ew 
York worth mentioning." To-day the Chamber of Com- 



COMMERCIAL PROSPERITY 309 

merce, founded in 1T68, chartered in 1770, and reor- 
ganized in 1784, controls much of the world's com- 
merce, establishes laws and usages, and regulates the 
value of money. The Marine Society, chartered in 
1770 and revived in 1786, extends sea-trade and cares 
for sailors and their families. From the time the ^^ Em- 
press of China" made her first trip to the east (1784), 
^ew York's foreign trade has increased until 37 per 
cent of all exports and 63 per cent of all imports of the 
nation pass through her ports (1900). She pays 70 
per cent of all tariff duties. In 1900 the imports 
reached $562,000,000 and the exports $606,785,000— 
more than all the other ports of the country combined. 

New York a Center of the World. — Greater New York 
is the great depot to and from Europe. Of the 312,- 
000 travelers and immigrants to this country in 1899, 
243,000 landed at N"ew York. Lines of steamships run 
to and from her port to all parts of the world — 17 to 
Great Britain, 4 to Germany, 6 to France, 2 to the 
Netherlands, 2 to Belgium, 4 to the Baltic, 2 to Spain 
and Portugal, 8 to the Mediterranean, 36 to China, 
Japan, India, and the East, 4 to Central America, and 
15 to Mexico and the West Indies. Cables carry mes- 
sages from New York City to 85 points over the world 
for from 25 cents to $1.58 a word. 

Banking Institutions. — The business of the state is 
carried on largely through banking organizations. There 
were 337 national banks in operation in the state in 
1900 with a capital of $97,337,000. The New York 
Clearing House, composed of 64 banks with a capital of 
$74,222,000, ^'cleared" nearly $52,000,000,000— an 
average daily business of $171,000,000. All other 



310 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

cities in the nation "cleared'' but $26,000,000,000. 
The Empire State leads in savings banks. Governor 
Black said, " Our savings banks are, and have long been, 
a source of pride." They show the thrift of the com- 
mon people. The $354,000,000 deposited in 1880 
more than doubled in twenty years, when the depositors 
numbered 1,806,000, and 43 per cent of such deposits in 
the country were in Xew York. Wall Street is a finan- 
cial giant. Supplementing the banks are hundreds of 
building and loan associations over the state. They 
numbered 300 in 1900, 86 being in the metropolis. The 
Sub-Treasury in l^ew York City does far more business 
than the Treasury at Washington. 

The Insurance Business has become enormous. It 
now covers a wide field — fire, life, water, live stock, per- 
sonal property, tornadoes and hail, plate glass, wages, 
strikes, and many other things. About two hundred 
and fifty companies are doing business in the state, 
with assets of nearly $2,000,000,000. A superintendent 
of insurance overlooks the whole system. 

Retrospect. — In reviewing the commercial progress of 
the century now past in this state it is apparent that 
New York enters the new century with a record for 
achievements unparalleled in all history. Her steam, 
electric, and cable railroads for freight and travel cover 
the state like a network and enable the cities to extend 
in all directions. Her canals and improved water- 
courses furnish excellent highways for cheap transporta- 
tion. Her steamships run to all corners of the earth. 
Her banks, factories, and business corporations of vari- 
ous kinds show an unsurpassed prosperity. Her trade 
amounts to more in one day now than it did in a year a 



EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 311 

century ago. In short, New York has become a busi- 
ness center of the world. 



Chapter LIX. — Educational Institutions 

Educational System. — The marvelous material growth 
of iSTew York has not hindered the education of her 
sons and daughters. The people believe in the public 
schools, and the legislature has very generously sup- 
ported them. Private individuals have endowed tech- 
nical and professional schools, seminaries, colleges, and 
universities to crown the educational system of the 
state. The board of regents oversees the whole system 
of public education. 

Growth of Schools. — The number of children of school 
age is 1,700,000 — an increase of a million in half 
a centurv. The number of teachers has increased from 
21,000 (1880) to 35,000. The average daily attendance 
has changed from 552,000 (1880) to 850,000. The 
comforts of the schoolroom and the books have greatly 
improved. In 1897 there were still 22 log school- 
houses in the state. The expenditure for public schools 
now amounts to $28,000,000 — twice as much as in 1885. 
The school term is now one-third longer, the attendance 
is one-third larger, the teachers' salaries have advanced 
one-half, three times as much is spent on buildings, and 
school property has doubled in value since 1880. 

New Laws. — In 1895 the school age was extended to 
from -^YQ to twenty-one. Each school district must sup- 
port a school. Every boy and girl is compelled to at- 



312 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

tend school. The examinations for teachers are now 
imif orm, and also for pupils. The state supports over a 
hundred teachers' institutes at a cost of $40,000. In- 
struction in the lower grades is uniform, but after that 
there is variety enough to permit pupils to prepare for 
college, business, or j)rofessional life. 

Patriotism. — The true object of a good education is to 
make a genuine man, or woman, and a good citizen. The 
state may well demand that our schools ^' shall inspire 
our youth to a love of country and its institutions.'' 
A thorough study of American and E"ew York history 
brings that result. The old soldiers of the Civil War 
have been instrumental in having " Flag Day " cele- 
brated each year, and in having the stars and stripes 
float over every schoolhouse during school hours. 
Arbor Day is also generally celebrated, and about 20,- 
000 trees are planted each year to beautify school 
grounds. In 1895 the legislature created the office of 
state historian and appointed Hugh Hastings to that 
position. Much valuable material has been collected 
and printed, and more remains to be done to preserve 
the noble past from oblivion. County and state organi- 
zations are doing valuable service in the same direction. 

The Educational System of New York City is a model 
for the country. The School Reform Bill, passed by the 
legislature and signed by Mayor Strong (1896) took the 
school system out of politics, gave it unity and a new 
life. The charter of Greater I^ew York reorganized the 
school system. One central board controls the finances 
and business for all the boroughs. Each borough also has 
a board appointed by the mayor for purely educational 
affairs. The superintendent, whose term is six years, is 



EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 313 

the chief executive of the whole system, while the 
borough superintendents look after the practical man- 
agement of the schools. The system has been 
pronounced "a distinct advance upon any other scheme 
that has been put into operation in the United States." 

Institutions of Higher Learning have kept pace with 
the new age. The 10 colleges of 1845 have increased 
to 23 with 1,500 instructors and 15,000 students. 
Those established before the Civil War are Columbia 
(1754), Union (1795), Hamilton (1812), Colgate (1819, 
Hobart (1825), Alfred (1836), College of the City of 
:N'ew York (1847), St. Francis Xavier (1847), St. John's 
(1846), Elmira (1855), and Magara (1856). Those or- 
ganized since that time are St. Steven's (1860), Vassar 
(1861), Manhattan (1863), Wells (1868), Cornell 
(1868), Syracuse (1870),Barnard (1889),Teachers' Col- 
lege (1889), Keuka (1892), and Adelphi (1896). The 
regents report 688 institutions of higher learning in the 
university with 6,500 teachers and 81,500 students, and 
property worth $88,000,000. There are five colleges 
for women in the state. 

Normal Schools. — The one normal school of 1844 is 
now assisted by ten others with 10,000 pupils and 14,- 
000 graduated teachers. Their property is valued at 
$2,252,000, and thev receive from the state $300,000 
annually. The last normals to be organized were New 
Paltz (1885), Plattsburg (1889), and Oneonta (1887). 
The professional schools have multiplied and extended 
their courses, until now thev draw students from every 
state in the Union. Many educational problems still 
confront the state, but time will bring the needed solu- 
tion. 



314 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

Illiteracy is disappearing among the native-born, and 
the people are far more intelligent than a few decades 
ago. In 1880 over 4 per cent of persons over ten could 
not read and 5^ per cent cotild not write, but two-thirds 
of them w^ere foreign-born. In 1890 the illiterates above 
ten numbered 267,000 and were mostly females. But of 
that number 198,000 were foreign-born, 21,000 were of 
foreign parentage, and 62,000 were negroes. The 
problem of illiteracy, therefore, almost entirely con- 
cerns the blacks and foreigners. 

Libraries. — The library is a powerful educational 
factor in every community and an absolute necessity. 
The regents control about 500 school libraries with 
2,000,000 volumes, and appropriate a large sum each 
year to sustain them. In 1893 traveling libraries w^ere 
introduced, and now books are constantly sent to every 
part of the state. There are over 700 other libraries 
in the state with 4,000,000 books, and 80 of these have 
more than 10,000 volumes each. The Astor with 250,- 
000 volumes was the largest imtil the consolidated Kew 
York Public Library was created (1897). These 
libraries help to educate thousands. Andrew Carnegie's 
gift of $5,000,000 for libraries in Greater I^ew York is 
most significant. 

Newspapers and Magazines. — The press, with its 
tremendous power for good or evil, has made a wonder- 
ful record. For years New York has ranked first in 
the number of papers and circulation. In 1880 the 
whole number was 1,411, of which 115 were dailies, 892 
weeklies, 282 monthlies, and 40 quarterlies. In 1900 
1,936 newspapers and periodicals were published. The 
dailies had increased to 185, the weeklies to 1,097, the 



EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 315 

monthlies to 599, and tlie quarterlies to 55. The 
circulation had climbed up to 25,000,000. The 
press is also a great industry, and in 1890 employed 
18,000 persons, consumed 275 tons of paper a day, 
and received $17,860,000 amiually for advertisements. 
Our huge city papers are marvels. In the metropolis 
alone 50 dailies are published, in Buffalo 10, in Roches- 
ter 7, in Brooklyn 5, and in Syracuse 4. The political 
papers number 1,000, the religious 200, and the agri- 
cultural 30. ]^ew York City has become the great 
newspaper and book center of the nation. Here the 
chief magazines are printed and the great publishing 
houses are located. The world's news, in twenty dif- 
ferent languages, may be laid on any man's table 
each day for a penny. Illustrated newspapers began 
with the Daily Graphic of New Yorh^ and larger papers 
soon adopted the idea. Harper^s Weekly and Frank 
Leslie's became prominent pictorial weeklies, and Puck, 
Judge, and Life were started after 1880. Xew York is 
the literary center of the continent. 

Histories of the Civil War. — In this work only a few 
of the many excellent writers of the past fifty years can 
be mentioned. Among those whose writings tell of the 
Civil War are William H. Seward, who wrote A 
Diplomatic History of the Civil War; Charles A. Dana, 
who recorded his recollections of the Civil War and 
edited the Sun; Ulysses S. Grant, who left his Personal 
Recollections of the War; Horace Greeley, who penned a 
record of the great conflict; and John W. Draper, who 
published a History of the Civil War and other works. 

Poets, Writers, and Artists. — Some poets of the period 
are Alice and Phoebe Cary, Walt Whitman, Richard 



316 SHORT UI8T0RY OF THE STATE OF ^'EW YORK 

Henrv Stoddard, Edmund Clarence Stedman, Kicliard 
Watson Gilder, and Emma Lazarns. Among the later 
novelists are Edgar Fawcett, George Parsons Latlirop, 
Edgar Payson Roe, Charles King, John Habberton, H. 
H. Boyesen, Henry Cuyler Bunner, Harold Erederick, 
and Henry Harland. Other persons noted for literary 
and artistic work in various lines are James Brander 
Matthews, John Burroughs, John James Audubon, 
William Hamilton Gibson, Richard Grant White, Ham- 
ilton W. Mabie, Andrew Sloan Draper, Edwin Law- 
rence Godkin, Moses Coit Tyler, George William 
Curtis, Carl Schurz, and Henry Wheeler Shaw (Josh 
Billings). Among those who have contributed to the 
written history of the state are J. Romeyn Brodhead, 
Edmund O'Callaghan, Benjamin F. Lossing, William 
L. Stone, Sr., William L. Stone, Jr., Ellis H. Roberts, 
James A. Roberts, H. B. Dawson, Martha J. Lamb, 
Mary L. Booth, General James Grant Wilson, and 
Theodore Roosevelt. 

Public Parks. — In 1873 the state set aside 5,000 
square miles for a park. By 1897 the legislature ap- 
propriated 6,000,000 acres for the same purpose and 
voted $1,000,000 to buy more. The commissioners pur- 
chased 250,000 acres, making a park of nearly a million 
acres. Cornell University was given $10,000 with 
which to buy 30,000 acres in the Adirondacks (1897), 
on w^hich a college of forestry has been built. The 
public park of 107 acres around ^Niagara Falls, costing 
$1,500,000, was opened in 1885 and has since been 
greatly beautified. The site of old Fort George has 
been purchased by the state, and steps have been taken 
to preserve the beautiful Palisades along the lower 



RELIGION AND SOCIETY 31? 

Hudson. Many sites of historic interest or of natural 
beauty remain to be purchased and preserved by the 
state. 

General Progress. — The educational record of the 
state has kept pace with the phenomenal growth in in- 
dustry. From a few private schools the state has 
developed a splendid system of public schools. Her in- 
stitutions of higher education are the peer of any in the 
land. She leads unquestionably in literature, books, 
and papers. She has made great inroads in the ranks 
of illiteracy, and has made a splendid fight against igno- 
rance. She has aw^akened a new and higher sense of 
patriotism among her people which has showed itself in 
better laws, in needed reforms, and a better local and 
state government. Well may she enter the new century 
confident that through her agencies of culture the 
many grave problems still confronting her will be 
solved. 



Chapter LX. — Religion and Society 

The Growth in Religious Organizations has been very 
marked during the past quarter of a century. Old 
churches have grown steadily in wealth and numbers, 
and new^ones have come into existence. Associations 
for religious and moral purposes have multiplied at an 
astonishing rate. N'ew York is first in the number of 
church members and the value of church property, yet 
only 36 per cent of the people belong to churches. This 
state ranks fifth in the number of church organizations. 
The 54 sects have property worth $140,000,000. The 
borough of Manhattan's 644 churches are valued at 



318 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW TOEK 

» 

$55,000,000. Brooklyn comes next with 360 clmrclies, 
then Buffalo, 156, Kochester, 98, and Syracuse, 74: 
(1890). In none of these cities are more than one- 
third of the people church members. In this respect 
Kew York ranks fifteenth. The chief denominations 
rank thus: Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, 
Episcopal, and Lutheran. 

The Moral Development has been very conspicuous. 
The state laws show that the people have come to believe 
that lotteries and gambling are wrong, drunkenness is 
a disgrace, and political dishonesty a crime. Conse- 
quently lotteries are forbidden and gambling is re- 
stricted. The Raines law (1896) seeks to regulate the 
liquor traffic by decreasing the number of saloons and 
thus the extent of drinking. At the same time $12,- 
000,000 are collected annually from saloons in taxes 
and licenses for public use. The popular revolts against 
political corruption in the great cities show an awakened 
public conscience and an appreciation of the duties of 
citizenship. Many organizations are seeking to improve 
the moral condition of old and young. 

The Manners and Customs of the people have changed. 
Xew forms of amusement have come into existence and 
but few of the old ones remain. Social classes based on 
blood and birth have given way largely to those founded 
upon wealth. Democracy has outgroT\Ti aristocracy. 
Dress, house and street etiquette, forms of address and 
social usages have been greatly modified. 

Social Chang'es. — In the country log-rollings and barn- 
raisings and quilting-bees have almost disappeared. The 
dance and the party remain, but are changed. Church 
festivals, civic celebrations, political jubilees, and vari- 



JRELWIOi^ AND SOCIETY S19 

Oils societies have sprung np to amuse and educate the 
people. The manners and customs of the cities are 
imitated more and more in rural districts. In the cities 
the club has grown to be the leading form of social inter- 
course. Theaters, music-halls, and contests of skill and 
trength on land and water entertain the people. There 
are thousands of organizations for all purposes. Excur- 
sions by rail and by boat amuse and educate. In the 
summer the people go to the ocean, lakes, or moun- 
tains, and in winter they go to warmer climes at home 
or abroad. Hundreds spend their vacations in Europe 
or some other part of the world. 

Charity. — AVitli more wealth, intelligence, and re- 
ligion, our ideas and methods of charity have improved. 
"We now discriminate between the needv unfortunate 
and the pauper who can but will not work. Those 
who are unable to earn a living are cared for in 
charitable institutions, where they may be comfortable 
and happy. Those who can support themselves but do 
not, for lack of work, are given an opportunity. To 
search out and care for the needy there are more than 
1,000 organizations in the state, owning $103,000,000 
worth of property. The state supports 22 public insti- 
tutions with 75,000 inmates. More than 270,000 are 
cared for outside, and 2,550,000 persons are given some 
relief each year. 'Not less than $24,000,000 is spent 
annually for charity, and most of it comes from individ- 
ual generosity. 

Treatment of Criminals. — While the state cares for 
the helpless it must punish the vicious. The 8,000 
prisoners of 1880 now number 14,000, of whom 4,000 
are foreign-born, 800 are negroes, and 2,000 are 



320 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

females. Two-thirds of these criminals are in the 
penitentiaries. About 4,000 bojs and girls are in re- 
form schools, and 11,000 paupers, of whom haK are 
foreign-born and half are females, are in alms- 
houses. The treatment of criminals has greatly 
changed. Many of them are now regarded as unfor- 
tunates, and it is believed that these can be made good, 
honest citizens. Therefore the state proposes to give 
them every opportunity to reform. In this New York 
took the lead by establishing the Elmira Reformatory 
(1876). Young criminals are sent there and encour- 
aged in every way to change their lives. 

Social Organizations. — Every city now has its organiza- 
tions to guide the children in right habits, to help the 
discouraged, to reform the bad, to find work for the un- 
employed, and to establish clubs, libraries, and clean 
places of amusement. College men and women are 
doing social settlement work, living noble, helpful lives 
among the lowly to inspire them to better things. Time 
is bringing rich rewards to all these sensible philan- 
thropic efforts. 

State Control of Social Welfare. — The state board of 
health urges pure water, good drainage, destruction of 
garbage, and has charge of all dangerous and contagious 
diseases. The lunacy commissioners guard and care for 
the insane. The superintendent of prisons oversees the 
security and comfort of the vicious and criminal. A 
board of charities looks after the poor and unfortunate. 
Quarantine commissioners prevent diseases and plagues 
from coming into the state by sea. In these various 
ways the state protects society and enables it to attain 
its greatest perfection. 



RELIGION AND SOCIETY 321 

Renewed Patriotism.— One of the most hopeful signs 
of the twentieth century is the renewed patriotism of 
the latter part of the nineteenth century. The Civil 
lYar killed state sovereignty and made the flag and the 
Union supreme. The war with Spain united both sec- 
tions as never before. The series of centennials from 
the celebration of a hundred years of independence 
(1876) to the reception of Admiral George Dewey 
(1899) has made both young and old better Americans. 
A new interest in the glorious history of this state and 
in the fathers who made it has been created. It shows 
itself in city and county civic and historical societies, in 
monuments for the great and noble, and in landmarks 
on historic sites. The past has been made to live over 
in oratory, sermons, history, song, stone, and bronze. 
A higher conception of state, national, and world citi- 
zenship has resulted. '^ Xew York is well called the 
Empire State, therefore, not only because of the vast- 
ness of its resources, but because it so conspicuously 
illustrates the imperial power of law-abiding liberty 
among the people.'' 

Statesmen. — New York's roll of honor has on it men 
and women famous in every walk of life. Only a few 
of their names can be mentioned here. From the 
earliest days to the present, her statesmen have been 
men of eloquence and ability. Stuyvesant, Leisler, De 
Lancey, and Golden were giants in their day. At least 
a dozen prominent leaders in the Eevolution were from 
ISTew York, chief among whom were Hamilton, Jay, 
Clinton, Schuyler, Lamb, and the Livingstons. The 
array of governors is a gallant one and includes the 
Clintons, Jay, Tompkins, Van Buren, Marcy, Sew^ard, 



322 SHOUT SI8T0RT OF THE STATE OF NEW TOBK 

Morgan, Dix, Seymour, Tilden, Cleveland, and Roose- 
velt. Five of her sons have been Presidents, anil nine 
Vice-Presidents. In nearly every national campaign 
ISTew York has had one or more candidates. The most 
important cabinet officers from Hamilton to Hay have 
been I^ew- Yorkers. Her senators and representatives 
have been leaders of brains and patriotism. Her judges 
and lawyers have been the peers of any in the land. 

Of the Military and Naval Heroes of the United 
States, IsTew York claims a goodly share as her sons by 
birth or adoption. Great warriors like Grant and 
Sheridan have made New York their home. In 
medicine, surgery, dentistry, drugs, and chemistry the 
Empire State has always taken front rank. Her clergy- 
men and professors have been leaders in their fields. 
Artists, poets, novelists, essayists, and editors have 
brought her to an enviable position in art and literature. 
Inventors, scientists, and skilled artisans have made her 
famous. Her lecturers and musicians have pleased and 
instructed the world. Thus hand, brain, voice, and pen 
have united to build up the great Empire State. "Ex- 
celsior '' on seal and flag has been a constant inspiration. 

The Past. — In all the lines of human progress — the 
political, religious, social, educational, and industrial — 
!N^ew York has given more than a hundred-fold for what 
she received a century ago. She has helped to carry 
forward the torch of civilization with an earnest, noble 
spirit and an unconquerable zeal. She has sacrificed 
her sons and her wealth for every great cause. She has 
met her o^^ti threatening problems, and solved them 
well. To her past record her sons may point with justi- 
fiable pride, and in her future they may glory. In the 



RELIGION AND SOCIETY 323 

century gone by they were taught to be good citizens of 
their comnmnities, good citizens of their common- 
wealth, good citizens of the Kepublic, and good citizens 
of the world, and in the century now upon us the per- 
plexities of life will center in these relationships, but 
we need have little fear about their solution. 

The Future. — " Grim dangers confront us in the fu- 
ture, yet there is more ground to believe that we shall 
succeed than that we shall fail in overcoming them. 
Taking into account the enormous mass of immigrants, 
utterly unused to self-government of any kind, who have 
been thrust into our midst and are even yet not assim- 
ilated, the wonder is not that universal suffrage has 
worked so badly, but that it has worked so well. We are 
better, not Avorse off, than we were a generation ago. 
There is much gross civic corruption and commercial 
and social selfishness and immorality, upon which we are 
honor bound to wage active and relentless war. But 
honesty and moral cleanliness are the rule; and under 
the laws order is well preserved, and all men are kept 

secure in the possession of life, liberty, and property 

There is no reason to suppose that the condition of the 
working classes has grown worse, though there are 
enormous bodies of them whose condition is certainly 
bad. There are grave social dangers and evils to meet, 
but there are plenty of earnest men and women who 
devote their minds and energies to meeting them. 
With many very serious shortcomings and defects, the 
average Xew Yorker yet possesses courage, energy, 
business capacity, much generosity of a practical sort, 
and shrewd, humorous common sense. The greedy 
tyranny of the unscrupulous rich and the anarchic 



324 SHORT BISTORT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

violence of the vicious and ignorant poor are ever 
threatening dangers; but though there is every reason 
why we should realize the gravity of the perils ahead of 
us, there is no reason wdiy we should not face them with 
confident and resolute hope, if only each of us, ac- 
cording to the measure of his capacity, will with manly 
honesty and good faith do his full share of the all-im- 
j^ortant duties incident to American citizenship.^J^ 



VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 1876-1902 
I. Primary Source^ 

State Assembly and Senate Documents. 

Beach, " Centennial Celebrations of the State of New York." 

" United States Census " for 1870, 1880, 1890, and 1900. 

Newspapers and Magazines. 

"World Almanac." 

'• Tribune Almanac." 

Murlin, " XeAV York Red Book." . 

Annual Reports of the various State Deparcments and Boards. 

Comley, " History of the State of New York." 

" New York in the Spanish- American War." 3 vols. 

2. Secondary Sources 

Lossing, "Empire State," pp. 553-57G. (To 1887.) 

Roberts, "New York," II., pp. 678-739. (To 1888.) 

Brooks, " Story of New York," pp. 270-282. 

Wilson, " Memorial History of the City of New York," III., pp. 

570-661, and Volume IV. (To 1892.) 
Roosevelt, " New York," pp. 210-216. (To 1890.) 
Todd, " Story of the City of New York." 

Harrison, "History of the City of New York." (To 1896.) 
Lossing, "History of New York City." (To 1884.) 2 vols. 
Field, " Political Primer of New York State and City." 
Bruce, " The Empire State in Three Centuries." 3 vols. 
Van._Pelt, "^Leslie's History of the Greater New York." 3 vols. 

* Roosevelt, Ilew York. 



CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 325 

McAdams and others, "History of the Bench and Bar of New 

York." 
Local Histories. 
Historical Magazines. 

3. Fiction, 

Bardeen, " Eoderick Hume." 
Ford, " Honorable Peter Stirling." 
Harland, " Mrs. Peixada." 

" The Yoke of the Thorah." 
Fawcett, " The House at High Bridge." 

" Social Silhouettes." 

CHRONOLOGICAL SUJVIMARY. 

1876. Centennial year. 

1877. Revolutionary centennials. 

1878. Elevated railroad built. 

1879. Cornell Governor. 

" New Capitol at Albany opened. 

1880. Egyptian obelisk set up in New York City. 
" Arthur Vice-President. 

1881. Quarrel in Republican party. 
" Arthur President. 

" Elevated Railroads consolidated. 

1882. Cleveland Governor. 

1883. Brooklyn Bridge opened. 

" Anniversary of disbanding of the American Army at New- 
burg. 
" British-evacuation centennial celebrated. 
" Railroad bridge over Niagara River opened. 

1884. Cleveland elected President. 
" Hill Governor. 

1885. Niagara Falls State Park created. 
" Adirondack forests preserved. 

" New Croton Aqueduct begun. 
" Grant dies near Saratoga. 

1886. Twelve hours made a day's labor. 
" Women admitted to legal practice. 
" Grant monument fund begun. 

" Bicentennial at Albany. 

Statue of Liberty erected in New York harbor. 



(( 



326 SHORT HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

1886. Political frauds exposed in Xew York City. 
" Arthur dies in New York City. 

1887. Centenary of Regents' control of state education. 

1888. Great snow-storm over the state. 
" Morton Vice-President. 

1889. Centennial of Washington's inauguration celebrated. 

1891. Flower Governor. 

1892. Columbus Day celebrated in New York. 

" Vice-President Morton dedicates the World's Fair. 

1893. New York Day at World's Fair. 

" Great naval parade at New York City. 
" Buffalo strike. 

1894. Morton Governor. 

" Fourth Constitution adopted. 

" Parkhurst movement and Lexow Committee. 

" Strong elected Mayor of New York. 

" Greater New York bill introduced. 

1895. Public schools celebrate their birthday, 
" Atlanta Industrial Exposition. 

1896. Black Governor. 

" Changes in the judiciary. 

1897. Charter granted for Greater New York. 
" Van Wyck the first Mayor. 

" New state proposed. 

" Grant's monument completed. 

1898. Roosevelt Governor. 

" Greater New York charter goes into effect. 

" Nassau County created. 

" Primary Election Law passed. 

" Flag ordered on every public schoolhouse. 

" Canal scandals. 

" War with Spain. 

1899. Mazet Inquiry Committee appointed. 
" Canal frauds investigated. 

" Great snow-storm in New York City. 

" Ford bill to tax public franchises. 

" Reform Conference held at Buffalo. 

" The Independent Labor Party formed in Greater New York. 

" The Ramapo Water Scheme denounced. 

" The Dewey reception. 

1900. Odell Governor. 



CnRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY 327 

1900. Roosevelt Vice-President. 

" Ice Trust in New York City denounced. 

" Anti-vice crusades in the metropolis. 

" Davis Law modifies the educational system of Greater New 

York. 
" Efforts to unify the educational system of the state. 
" Croton Dam strike. 

" Rapid transit begun for New York City. 
" Committee appointed to revise the charter of Greater Nev. 

York. 

1901. Celebrations of the twentieth century over the state. 
" Pan-American Exposition. 

" President McKinley shot at Buffalo. 
" Roosevelt becomes President. 

1902. Low second Mayor of Greater New York. 




i 



THE ARMS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, 

AS RE-ESTABLISHED BY CHAPTER 190 OF THE LAWS OF 1882 
AND AMENDED IN 1895. 



CHAPTER 190. 

An Act to re-establish tlie original arms of the State of New York, 
and to provide for the use thereof on the public seals. 

Passed May 20, 1882 ; three-fifths being present. 

The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and 
Assembly, do enact as follows : 

Section 1. The device of arms of this State, as adopted March six- 
teenth, seventeen hundred and seventy-eight, is hereby declared to 
be correctly described as follows: 

Charge. — Azure, in a landscape, the sun in fess, rising in splendor, 
or,* behind a range of three mountains, the middle one the highest ; 
in base a ship and sloop under sail, passing and about to meet on a 
river bordered below by a grassy shore fringed with shrubs, all 
proper.f 

Crest. — On a wreath, azure and or, an American eagle proper. 



* This word, or, derived through the French language from the Latin word 
aurum, gold, means yellow or gold color, and is represented in engravings by 
small dots. 

+ i.e., represented in their natural color, 

329 



330 NEW YORK STATE. 

rising to the dexter, from a two-thirds of a globe terrestrial showing 
the North Atlantic Ocean, with outlines of its shores. 

Supporters. — On a quasi-compartment formed by the extension of 
the scroll. 

Dexter, — The figure of Liberty proper, her hair disheveled and 
decorated with pearls, vested azure, sandaled gules, about the waist 
a cincture or, fringed gules, a mantle of the last depending from the 
shoulders behind to the feet, in the dexter hand a staff ensigned 
with Phrygian cap or, the sinister arm embowed, the hand support- 
ing the shield at the dexter chief point, a royal crown by her sinister 
foot dejected. 

Sinister — The figure of Justice proper, her hair disheveled and 
decorated with pearls, vested or, about the waist a cinctured azure, 
fringed gules, sandaled and mantled as Liberty, bound about the 
eyes with a fillet proper, in the dexter hand a straight sword hilted 
or, erect, resting on the sinister chief point of the shield, the sinister 
arm embowed, holding before her her scales proper. 

Motto.— On a scroll below the shield, argent, in sable. Excelsior. 

Sec. 7. During the hours when the legislature is in session, the 
State flag shall be displayed from the Capitol together with the flag 
of the United States; the State flag shall be blue containing a white 
circular space charged with the arms of the State in the colors as 
described in the blason of section one of this Act. 



STATE COLOR. 



By common consent the imperial color, purple, has been used as 
the color of the Empire State. No official action was taken as to its 
adoption, however, till the Columbian exposition of 1893, when the 
State commissioners in charge of New York's exhibit adopted it as 
the color emblem of the Empire State. 

STATE TREE AND STATE FLOWER. 

By vote of the school children of the State taken on Arbor day in 
1889 the maple was adopted as the State tree, and in the same way 
in 1891 the rose was adopted as the State fl.ower. 



/ 



THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF 

NEW YORK 



Adopted Nov. S, ISIfG, as Amended, and in Force Jan. 1, 1895. 

Sections marked thus, f, are the additions to the Constitution of 
1846 which were adopted in 1894. 

We the People of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty 
God for our Freedom, in order to secure its blessings, do estab- 
lish THIS Constitution. 

ARTICLE I— Certain Personal Rights* 

§ I. Persons not to be disfranchised.— No member of this State 
shall be disfranchised, or deprived of any of the rights or privi- 
leges secured to any citizen thereof, unless by the law of the land, 
or the judgment of his peers. 

§ 2. Trial by jury. — The trial by jury in all cases in which it 
has been heretofore used, shall remain inviolate forever; but a 
jury trial may be waived by the parties in all civil cases in the 
manner to be prescribed by law. 

§ 3. Religious liberty.— The free exercise and enjoyment of 
religious profession and worship, without discrimination or prefer- 
ence, shall forever be allowed in this State to all mankind ; and no 
person shall be rendered incompetent to be a witness on account 
of his opinions on matters of religious belief; but the liberty of 
conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse 



♦ The first 8 sections of Art I may be called the " Bill of Rights" of the 
N. Y. Constitution {see page 193, sees. 2 and 3), though § 6 is indicated in 

the text as the Bill of Rights. 

ooi. 



332 iV^^TT TORE STATE 

acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the 
peace or safety of this State. 

§ 4. Habeas corpus. — The privilege of the writ of Jiaheas corpus 
shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or inva- 
sion, the public safety may require its suspension. 

§ 5. Excessive bail and fines.— Excessive bail shall not be re- 
quired nor excessive fines imposed, nor shall cruel and unusual 
punishments be inflicted, nor shall witnesses be unreasonably de- 
tained. 

§ 6. Grand jury— bill of rights.— No person shall be held to an- 
swer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime (except in cases 
of impeachment, and in cases of militia when in actual service; 
and the land and naval forces in time of war, or which this State 
may keep, with the consent of Congress, in time of peace; and 
in cases of petit larceny, under the regulation of the Legislature), 
unless on presentment or indictment of a grand jury; and in any 
trial in any court whatever the party accused shall be allowed 
to appear and defend in person and with counsel as in civil ac- 
tions. No person shall be subject to be twice put in jeopardy for 
the same offence; nor shall he be compelled in any criminal case 
to be a witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty 
or property without due process of law; nor shall private property 
be taken for public use, without just compensation. 

§ 7. Compensation for taking private property; private roads; 
drainage of agricultural lands.— When private property shall be 
taken for any public use the compensation to be made therefor, 
when such compensation is not made by the State, shall be ascer- 
tained by a jury or by not less than three commissioners appointed 
by a court of record, as shall be prescribed by law. Private roads 
may be opened in the manner to be prescribed by law; but in 
every case the necessity of the road, and the amount of all damage 
to be sustained by the opening thereof, shall be first determined 
by a jury of freeholders, and such amount, together with the ex- 
penses of the proceeding, shall be paid by the person to be bene- 
fited, t General laws may be passed permitting the owners or oc- 
cupants of agricultural lands to construct and maintain for the 
drainage thereof, necessary drains, ditches and dykes upon the 
lands of others, under proper restrictions and with just compensa- 
tion, but no special laws shall be enacted for such purposes. 

§ 8. Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for 
libel.— Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish hia 



comriTUTiojsr 333 

sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that 
right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty 
of speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions or indict- 
ments for libels, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; 
and if it shall appear to the jury, that the matter charged as 
libellous is true, and was published with good motives, and for 
justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall 
have the right to determine the law and the fact. 

§9. Right of petition; divorces; lottery, and gambling. — No 
law shall be passed abridging the right of the people peaceably to 
assemble and to petition the government, or any department 
thereof, nor shall any divorce be granted, otherwise than by due 
judicial proceedings; nor shall any lottery, or the sale of any 
lottery tickets,! pool-selling, book-making, or any other kind of 
gambling hereafter be authorized or allowed within this State; 
and the Legislature shall pass appropriate laws to prevent offences 
against any of the provisions of this section. 

§ 10. E.scheats. — The people of this State, in their right of 
sovereignty, are deemed to possess the original and ultimate 
property in and to all lands within the jurisdiction of the State; 
and all lands the title to which shall failj from a defect of heirs, 
shall revertj or escheat to the people. 

§ II. Feudal tenures abolished.— All feudal tenures of every 
description, with all their incidents, are declared to be abolished, 
saving however all rents and services certain which at any time 
heretofore have been lawfully created or reserved. 

§ 12. Allodial tenures. — All lands within this State are declared 
to be allodial, so that, subject only to the liability to escheat, the 
entire and absolute property is vested in the owners, according to 
the nature of their respective estates. 

§ 13. Leases of agricultural lands.— No lease or grant of agricul- 
tural land, for a longer period than twelve years, hereafter made, 
in which shall be reserved any rent or service of any kind, shall 
be valid. 

§ 14. Fines and quarter sales abolished.— All fines, quarter 
sales, or other like restraints upon alienation reserved in any 
grant of land^ hereafter to be made, shall be void. 

§ 15. Purchase of lands of Indians.— No purchase or contract 
for the sale of lands in this State made since the fourteenth day 
of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, or 
which may hereafter be made of, or with the Indians, shall be 



334: iV^^TT YORK STATE 

valid, unless made under the authority, and with the consent of 
the Legislature. 

§ 1 6. Common law and acts of the Colonial and State Legisla- 
tures. — Such parts of the commoji law, and of the acts of the 
Legislature of the Colony of New York, as together did form the 
law of the said Colony, on the nineteenth day of April, one thou- 
sand seven hundred and seventy-five, and the resolutions of the 
Congress of the said Colony, and of the convention of the State 
of New York, in force on the twentieth day of April, one thou- 
sand seven hundred and seventy-seven, which have not since ex- 
pired, or been repealed or altered; and such acts of the Legisla- 
ture of this State as are now in force, shall be and continue the 
law of this State, subject to such alterations as the Legislature 
shall make concerning the same. But all such parts of the com- 
mon law and such of the said acts, or parts thereof, as are repug- 
nant to this Constitution, are hereby abrogated. 

§ 17. Grants of land made by the King of Great Britain since 
1775. — All grants of land within the State^ made by the king of 
Great Britain, or persons acting under his authority, after the 
fourteenth day of October, one thousand seven hundred and 
seventy-five, shall be null and void; but nothing contained in 
this Constitution shall atlect any grants of land within this State, 
made by the authority of the said king or his predecessors, or 
shall annul any charters to bodies politic and coi-porate, by him or 
them made, before that day; or shall affect any such grants or 
charters since made by this State, or by persons acting under its 
authority; or shall impair the obligation of any debts contracted 
by the State, or individuals, or bodies corporate, or any other 
rights of property, or any suits, actions, rights of action, or other 
proceedings in courts of justice. 

§ 18. Damages for injuries causing death. — f The right of action 
now existing to recover damages for injuries resulting in death, 
shall never be abrogated; and the amount recoverable shall not 
be subject to any statutory limitation. 

ARTICLE II— Voting 

§ I. Qualification of voters. — Every male citizen of the age of 
twenty-one years who shall have been a citizen for ninety days 
and an inhabitant of this State one year next preceding an elec- 
tion, and for the last four months a resident of the county and 



CONSTITUTION 385 

for the last thirty days a resident of the election district in which 
he may ofl'er his vote, shall be entitled to vote at such election 
in the election district of which he shall at the time be a resident, 
and not elsewhere, for all officers that now are or hereafter may 
be elective by the people, and upon all questions which may be 
submitted to the vote of the people, provided that in time of war 
no elector in the actual military service of the State, or of the 
United States, in the army or navy thereof, shall be deprived of 
his vote by reason of his absence from such election district; and 
the Legislature shall have power to provide the manner in which 
and the time and place at which such absent electors may vote, 
and for the return and canvass of their votes in the election dis- 
tricts in which they respectively reside. 

§ 2. Bribery. — ^o person who shall receive, accept or offer to 
receive, or pay, offer or promise to pay, contribute, offer or promise 
to contribute to another, to be paid or used, any money or other 
valuable thing as a compensation or reward for the giving or with- 
holding a vote at an election, or who shall make any promise to 
influence the giving or withholding any such vote, or Avho shall 
make or become directly or indirectly interested in any bet or 
wager depending upon the result of any election, shall vote at 
such election; and upon challenge for such cause, the person so 
challenged, before the officers authorized for that purpose shall 
receive his vote, shall swear or affirm before such officers that he 
has not received or offered, does not expect to receive, has not 
paid, offered or promised to pay, contributed, offered or promised 
to contribute to another, to be paid or used, any money or other 
valuable thing as a compensation or reward for the giving or 
withholding a vote at such election, and has not made any promise 
to influence the giving or withholding of any such vote, nor made 
or become directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager 
depending upon the result of such election. fThe Legislature 
shall enact laws excluding from the right of suffrage ail persons 
convicted of bribery or of any infamous crime. 

§ 3. Residence for voting purposes.— For the purpose of voting, 
no person shall be deemed to have gained or lost a residence, by 
reason of his presence or absence, while employed in the service 
of the United States; nor while engaged in the navigation of the 
waters of this State, or of the United States, or of the high seas; 
nor while a student of any seminary of learning; nor while kept 
at any alms-house, or other asylum, f or institution wholly or 



S36 2f£!W TORE STATS 

partly supported at public expense or by charity; nor while con- 
fined in any public prison, 

§ 4. Registration and election laws to be passed. — Laws shall 
be made for ascertaining by proper proofs the citizens who shall 
be entitled to the right of suffrage hereby established, and for 
the registration of voters, which registration shall be completed at 
least ten days before each election, f Such registration shall not 
be required for town and village elections except by express pro- 
vision of law. In cities and villages having five thousand inhabi- 
tants or more, according to the last preceding state enumeration of 
inhabitants, voters shall be registered upon personal application 
only; but voters not residing in such cities or villages shall not be 
required to apply in person for registration at the first meeting of 
the officers having charge of the registry of voters. 

§ 5. Manner of voting. — All elections by the citizens, except 
for such town officers as may by law be directed to be otherwise 
chosen, shall be by ballot, f or by such other method as may be 
prescribed by law, provided that secrecy in voting be preserved. 

§ 6. Registration and election boards to be bi-partisan, except 
at town and village elections.— f All laws creating, regulating or 
affecting boards or officers charged with the duty of registering 
voters, or of distributing ballots at the polls to voters, or of re- 
ceiving, recording or counting votes at elections, shall secure equal 
representation of the two political parties which, at the general 
election next preceding that for which such boards or officers are 
to serve, cast the highest and the next highest number of votes. 
All such boards and officers shall be appointed or elected in such 
manner, and upon the nomination of such representatives of said 
parties respectively, as the Legislature may direct. Existing laws 
on this subject shall continue until the Legislature shall other- 
wise provide. This section shall not apply to town meetings or to 
village elections. 



ARTICLE III— The Legislature 

§ I. Two houses. — The legislative power of this State shall be 
vested in a Senate and Assembly. 

§ 2. How constituted. — f The Senate shall consist of fifty mem- 
bers, except as 'hereinafter provided. The Senators elected in 
the year 1895 shall hold their offices for three years, and their 



CONSTITUTION 337 

successors shall be chosen for two years.* The Assembly shall 
consist of one hundred and fifty members who shall be chosen for 
one year. 

§3. Senate districts.— t The State shall be divided into fifty 
districts, to be called Senate districts, each of which shall choose 
one Senator. The districts shall be numbered from one to fifty 
inclusive. (For list of Senate districts see page 421.) 

§ 4. How changed. — t^^ enumeration of the inhabitants of the 
State shall be taken under the direction of the Secretary of State, 
during the months of May and June, in the year 1895, and in the 
same months every tenth year thereafter; and the said districts 
shall be so altered by the Legislature at the first regular session 
after the return of every enumeration, that each Senate district 
shall contain as nearly as may be an equal number of inhabitants, 
excluding aliens, and be in as compact form as practicable, and 
shall remain unaltered until the return of another enumeration, 
and shall at all times consist of contiguous territory, and no county 
shall be divided in the formation of a senate district except to 
make two or more senate districts wholly in such county. No 
town, and no block in a city enclosed by streets or public ways, 
shall be divided in the formation of senate districts; nor shall any 
district contain a greater excess in population over an adjoining 
district in the same county, than the population of a town or block 
therein, adjoining such district. Counties, towns or blocks which, 
from their location, may be included in either of two districts, 
shall be so placed as to make said districts most nearly equal in 
number of inhabitants, excluding aliens. 

No county shall have four or more senators unless it shall have 
a full ratio for each senator. No county shall have more than 
one-third of all the senators; and no two counties or the territory 
thereof as now organized, which are adjoining counties, or which 
are separated only by public waters, shall have more than one-half 
of all the senators. 

The ratio for apportioning senators shall always be obtained by 
dividing the number of inhabitants, excluding aliens, by fifty, and 
the senate shall always be composed of fifty members, except that 
if any county having three or more senators at the time of any 



* To bring the elections of State officers on even-numbered years, and of 
municipal officers on odd-numbered years, it was necessary to rearrange 
the terms of office and the times of election of governor, State officers, 
senators, and municipal officers. 



338 2fEW TORE STATE 

apportionment shall be entitled on such ratio to an additional 
senator or senators, such additional senator or senators shall be 
given to such county in addition to the fifty senators, and the 
whole number of senators shall be increased to that extent. 

§ 5. Assembly districts.— f The members of the assembly shall 
be chosen by single districts, and shall be apportioned by the leg- 
islature at the first regular session after the return of every enum- 
eration among the several counties of the State, as nearly as may 
be according to the number of their respective inhabitants, exclud- 
ing aliens. Every county heretofore established and separately 
organized, except the county of Hamilton, shall always be entitled 
to one member of assembly, and no county shall hereafter be 
erected unless its population shall entitle it to a member. The 
county of Hamilton shall elect with the county of Fulton, until 
the population of the county of Hamilton shall, according to the 
ratio, entitle it to a member. But the legislature may abolish the 
said county of Hamilton and annex the territory thereof to' soma 
other county or counties. 

The quotient obtained by dividing the whole number of inhab- 
itants of the State, excluding aliens, by the number of members of 
assembly, shall be the ratio for apportionment, which shall be 
made as follows: One member of assembly shall be apportioned 
to every county, including Fulton and Hamilton as one county, 
containing less than the ratio and one-half over. Two members 
shall be apportioned to every other county. The remaining mem- 
bers of assembly shall be apportioned to the counties having more 
than two ratios according to the number of inhabitants, excluding 
aliens. Members apportioned on remainders shall be apportioned 
to the counties having the highest remainders in the order thereof 
respectively. No county shall have more members of assembly 
than a county having a greater number of inhabitants, excluding 
aliens. 

Until after the next enumeration, members of the assembly shall 
be apportioned to the several counties as follows: (See page — .) 

In any county entitled to more than one member, the board of 
supervisors, and in any city embracing an entire county and hav- 
ing no board of supervisors, the common council, or if there be 
none, the body exercising the powers of a common council, shall 
assemble on the second Tuesday of June 1895, and at such times 
as the legislature making an apportionment shall prescribe, and 
divide such counties into assembly districts as nearly equal in 



CONSTITUTION 339 

number of inhabitants, excluding aliens, as may be, of convenient 
and contiguous territory in as compact form as practicable, each 
of which shall be wholly within a senate district formed under the 
same apportionment, equal to the number of members of assembly 
to which such county shall be entitled, and shall cause to be filed 
in the office of the Secretary of State and of the clerk of such 
county, a description of such districts, specifying the number of 
each district and of the inhabitants thereof, excluding aliens, ac- 
cording to the last preceding enumeration; and such apportion- 
ment and districts shall remain unaltered until another enumera- 
tion shall be made, as herein provided; but said division of the 
city of Brooklyn and the county of Kings to be made on the 
second Tuesday of June 1895, shall be made by the common council 
of said city and the board of supervisors of said county, assembled 
in joint session. In counties having more than one senate district, 
the same number of assembly districts shall be put in each senate 
district, unless the assembly districts cannot be evenly divided 
among the senate districts of any county, in which case one more 
assembly district shall be put in the senate district in such county 
having the largest, or one less assembly district shall be put in 
the senate district in such county having the smallest number of 
inhabitants, excluding aliens, as the case may require. No town, 
and no block in a city enclosed by streets or public ways, shall 
be divided in the formation of assembly districts, nor shall any 
district contain a greater excess in population over an adjoining 
district in the same senate district, than the population of a town 
or block therein adjoining such assembly district. Towns or blocks 
which, from their location, may be included in either of two dis- 
tricts, shall be so placed as to make said districts most nearly 
equal in number of inhabitants, excluding aliens; but in the di- 
vision of cities under the first apportionment, regard shall be had 
to the number of inhabitants, excluding aliens, of the election dis- 
tricts according to the state enumeration of 1892, so far as may be, 
instead of blocks. Nothing in this section shall prevent the di- 
vision, at any time, of counties and towns, and the erection of 
new towns by the legislature. 

An apportionment by the legislature, or other body, shall be 
subject to review by the Supreme Court, at the suit of any citizen, 
under such reasonable regulations as the legislature may prescribe; 
and any court before which a cause may be pending involving an 
apportionment shall give precedence thereto over all other causes 



340 2^^W YORK STATE 

and proceedings, and if said court be not in session it shall convene 
promjDtly for the disposition of the same. 

§ 6. Compensation of members. — Each member of the legisla- 
ture shall receive for his services an annual salary of one thousand 
five hundred dollars. The members of either house shall also 
receive the sum of one dollar for every ten miles they shall travel, 
in going to and returning from their place of meeting, once in each 
session, on the most usual route. Senators, when the senate alone 
is convened in extraordinary session, or when serving as members 
of the Court for the Trial of Impeachments, and such members of 
the assembly, not exceeding nine in number, as shall be appointed 
managers of an impeachment, shall receive an additional allowance 
of ten dollars a day. 

§ 7. Civil appointments of members void. — No member of the 
legislature shall receive any civil appointment within this State, 
or the senate of the United States, from the governor, the gover- 
nor and senate, or from the legislature, or from any city govern- 
ment during the time for which he shall have been elected; and 
all such appointments and all votes given for any such member 
for any such office or appointment shall be void. 

§ 8. Persons disqualified from being members. — No person shall 
be eligible to the legislature who, at the time of his election, is, 
or within one hundred days previous thereto has been, a member 
of congress, a civil or military officer under the United States, or 
an officer under any city government; and if any person shall, 
after his election as a member of the legislature, be elected to 
congress, or appointed to any office, civil or military, under the 
government of the United States, or under any city government, 
his acceptance thereof shall vacate his seat. 

§ 9. Time of elections. — The elections of senators and members 
of assembly, pursuant to the provisions of this constitution, shall 
be held on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November, 
unless otherwise directed by the legislature. 

§ 10. Quorum; rules; determining membership; ofi&cers of each 
house. — A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum to 
do business. Each house shall determine the rules of its own pro- 
ceedings, and be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifica- 
tions of its own members; shall choose its own officers; and the 
senate shall choose a temporary president f to preside in case of 
the absence or impeachment of the lieutenant-governor, or when 
he shall refuse to act as president, QX shall act as governor. 



CONSTITUTION 341 

§ II. Journals; open sessions; adjournments. — Each house shall 
keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish the same, except 
such parts as may require secrecy. The doors of each house shall 
be kept open, except when the public welfare shall require secrecy. 
Neither house shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for 
more than two days. 

§ 12. Privilege, or freedom of debate. — For any speech or de- 
bate in either house of the legislature, the members shall not be 
questioned in any other place. (No member is liable for slander 
or libel for any speech in the house.) 

§ 13. Bills may originate in either house. — Any bill may origi- 
nate in either house of the legislature, and all bills passed by one 
house may be amended by the other. 

§ 14. Enacting clause of bills. — The enacting clause of all bills 
shall be " The people of the State of New York, represented in 
senate and assembly, do enact as follows," and no law shall be 
enacted except by bill. 

§ 15. Manner of passing bills.— Xo bill shall be passed or be- 
come a lawf unless it shall have been printed and upon the desks 
of the members, in its final form, at least three calendar legisla- 
tive days prior to its final passage, unless the governor, or the 
acting governor, shall have certified to the necessity of its im- 
mediate passage, under his hand and the seal of the State; nor 
shall any bill be passed or become a law, except by the assent of 
a majority of the members elected to each branch of the legisla- 
ture; and upon the last reading of a bill, no amendment thereof 
shall be allowed, and the question upon its final passage shall be 
taken immediately thereafter, and the yeas and nays entered on 
the journal. 

§ 16. Private bills. — No private or local bill, which may be 
passed by the legislature, shall embrace more than one subject, 
and that shall be expressed in the title. 

§ 17. Existing laws made applicable, to be inserted in acts. — 
No act shall be passed which shall provide that any existing law, 
or any part thereof, shall be made or deemed a part of said act, 
or which shall enact that any existing law, or part thereof, shall 
be applicable, except by inserting it in such act. 

§ 18. Cases in which private and local bills shall not be passed; 
restrictions as to laws authorizing street railroads. — The legisla- 
ture shall not pass a private or local bill in any of the following 
cases: 



34:2 NEW TORK STATE 

Changing the names of persons. 

Laying out, opening, altering, working or discontinuing roads, 
highways or alleys, or for draining swamps or other low lands. 

Locating or changing county seats. 

Providing for changes of venue in civil or criminal cases. 

Incorporating villages. 

Providing for election of members of boards of supervisors. 

Selecting, drawing, summoning or impanelling grand or petit 
jurors. 

Regulating the rate of interest on money. 

The opening and conducting of elections or designating places of 
voting. 

Creating, increasing or decreasing fees, percentage or allowances 
of public ofl&cers, during the term for which said ofl&cers are elected 
or appointed. 

Granting to any corporation, association or individual the right 
to lay down railroad tracks. 

Granting to any private corporation, association or individual 
any exclusive privilege, immunity or franchise whatever. 

Providing for building bridges, and chartering companies for 
such purposes, except on the Hudson river below Waterford, and 
on the East river, or over the waters forming a part of the boun- 
daries of the State. 

The legislature shall pass general laws providing for the cases 
enumerated in this section, and for all other cases which in its 
judgment may be provided for by general laws. But no law shall 
authorize the construction or operation of a street railroad except 
upon the condition that the consent of the owners of one-half in 
value the property bounded on, and the consent also of the local 
authorities having the control of that portion of a street or high- 
way upon which it is proposed to construct or operate such rail- 
road be first obtained, or in case the consent of such property 
owners cannot be obtained, the appellate division of the Supreme 
Court, in the department in which it is proposed to be constructed, 
may, upon application, appoint three commissioners who shall de- 
termine, after a hearing of all parties interested, whether such 
railroad ought to be constructed or operated, and their determina- 
tion, confirmed by the court, may be taken in lieu of the consent 
of the property owners. 

§ ig. Private claims not to be audited by legislature. — The leg- 
islature shall neither audit nor allow any private claim or accouiit 



CONSTITUTIOK 3i3 

against the State, but may appropriate money to pay such claims 
as shall have been audited and allowed according to law. 

§ 20. Two-thirds bills. — The assent of two-thirds of the mem- 
bers elected to each branch of the legislature shall be requisite 
to every bill appropriating the public moneys or property for local 
or private purposes. 

§ 21. Appropriation bills. — No money shall ever be paid out 
of the treasury of this State, or any of its funds, or any of the 
funds under its management, except in pursuance of an appropria- 
tion by law; nor unless such payment be made within two years 
next after the passage of such appropriation act; and every such 
law making a new appropriation, or continuing or reviving an 
appropriation, shall distinctly specify the sum appropriated, and 
tlie object to Avhich it is to be applied; and it shall not be sufficient 
for such law to refer to any other law to fix such sum. 

§ 22. Restrictions as to provisions in the appropriation or supply 
bills (i.e., prohibiting " riders " on appropriation bills.) — t ^^^ 
provision or enactment shall be embraced in the annual appro- 
priation or supply bill, unless it relates specifically to some par- 
ticular appropriation in the bill; and any such provision or enact- 
ment shall be limited in its operation to such appropriation. 

§ 23. Certain sections not to apply to commission bills. — Sec- 
tions seventeen and eighteen of this article shall not apply to any 
bill, or the amendments to any bill, which shall be reported to the 
legislature by commissioners who have been appointed pursuant 
to law to revise the statutes. 

§ 24. Tax bills to state tax distinctly.— Every law which im- 
poses, continues or revives a tax shall distinctly state the tax and 
the object to which it is to be applied, and it shall not be sufTi- 
cient to refer to any otlier law to fix such tax or object. 

§ 25. When ayes and nays are necessary: three-fifths to con- 
stitute a quorum for money-bills.— On the final passage, in either 
house of the legislature, of any act which imposes, continues or 
revives a tax, or creates a debt or charge, or makes, continues or 
revives any appropriation of public or trust money or property, 
or releases, discharges or commutes any claim or demand of the 
State, the question shall be taken by yeas and nays, which shall 
be duly entered upon the journals, and three-fifths of all the mem- 
bers elected to either house shall, in all such cases, be necessary 
to constitute a quorum therein. 

§ 26. Boards of supervisors. — There shall be in the several coim- 



344 I^EW YORE STATE 

ties, except in cities whose boundaries are the same as those of 
the county, a board of supervisors-, to be composed of such mem- 
bers, and elected in such manner, and for such period, as is or 
may be provided by law. In any such city the duties and powers 
of a board of supervisors may be devolved upon the common coun- 
cil or board of aldermen thereof. 

§ 27. Local legislative powers. — Tlie legislature shall, by gen- 
eral laws, confer upon the boards of supervisors of the several 
counties of the State such further powers of local legislation and 
administration as the legislature may from time to time deem 
expedient. 

§ 28. Extra compensation prohibited. — The legislature shall not, 
nor shall the common council of any city nor any board of super- 
visors, grant any extra compensation to any public officer, servant, 
agent or contractor. 

§29. Prison labor: contract system abolished. — ■\T\^q legisla- 
ture shall, by law, provide for the occupation and employment of 
prisoners sentenced to the several state prisons, penitentiaries, jails 
and reformatories in the State; and on and after the first day of 
January, in the year 1897, no person^ in any such prison, peniten- 
tiary, jail or reformatoiy, shall be required or allowed to work, 
while under sentence thereto, at any trade, industry, or occupa- 
tion, Avherein or whereby his work, or the product or profit of his 
work, shall be farmed out, contracted, given or sold to any person, 
firm, association or corporation. This section shall not be con- 
strued to prevent the legislature from providing that convicts may 
work for, and that the products of their labor may be disposed of 
to, the State or any political division thereof, or for or to any 
public institution owned or managed and controlled by the State, 
or any political division thereof. 



ARTICLE IV — The Governor and Lieutenant-Governor 

§ I. Executive power; term of office. — The executive power shall 
be vested in a governor, who shall hold his office forf two years; * 
a lieutenant-governor shall be chosen at the same time, and for 
the same term. The governor and lieutenant-governor elected next 
preceding the time when this section shall take effect shall hold 
office until and including the thirty-first day of December 1896, 

. — _,^ — . — _ . . .< « 

* See foot-note on page 337. 



CONSTITUTIOir 345 

and their successors shall be chosen at the general election in that 
year. 

§ 2. Eligibility. — No person shall be eligible to the office of gov- 
ernor or lieutenant-governor, except a citizen of the United States, 
of the age of not less than thirty years, and Avho shall have been 
five years, next preceding his election, a resident of this State. 

§ 3. Election. — The governor and lieutenant-governor shall be 
elected at the times and places of choosing members of the assem- 
bly. The persons respectively having the highest number of votes 
for governor and lieutenant-governor, shall be elected; but in case 
two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes 
for governor, or for lieutenant-governor, the two houses of the 
legislature, at its next annual session, shall, forthwith, by joint 
ballot, choose one of the said persons so having an equal and the 
highest number of votes for governor or lieutenant-governor. 

§ 4. Duties and powers of governor; compensation. — ^The gover- 
nor shall be commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces 
of the State. He shall have power to convene the legislature (or 
the senate only) on extraordinary occasions. At extraordinary 
sessions no subject shall be acted upon, except such as the gover- 
nor may recommend for consideration. He shall communicate by 
message to the legislature at every session the condition of the 
State, and recommend such matters to it as he shall judge expedi- 
ent. He shall transact all necessary business with the officers of 
government, civil and military. He shall expedite all such 
measures as may be resolved upon by the legislature, and shall 
take care that the laws are faithfully executed. He shall receive 
for his services an annual salary of ten thousand dollars, and there 
shall be provided for his use a suitable and furnished executive 
residence. 

§ 5. Reprieves, commutations and pardons. — The governor shall 
have the power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons 
after conviction, for all offences except treason and cases of im- 
peachment, upon such conditions, and with such restrictions and 
limitations, as he may think proper, subject to such regulations 
as may be provided by law relative to the manner of applying for 
pardons. Upon conviction for treason, he shall have power to sus- 
pend the execution of the sentence, until the case shall be reported 
to the legislature at its next meeting, when the legislature shall 
either pardon, or commute the sentence, direct the execution of 
the sentence; or grant a further reprieve. He shall annually com- 



346 iV^TF YORK STATE 

munieate to the legislature each ease of reprieve, commutation 
or pardon granted; stating the name of the convict, the crime of 
which he was convicted, the sentence and its date, and the date 
of the commutation, pardon or reprieve. 

§ 6. Power may devolve on lieutenant-governor. — In ease of 
the impeachment of the governor, or his removal from office, death, 
inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, 
resignation or absence from the State, the powers and duties of the 
office shall devolve upon the lieutenant-governor for the residue 
of the term, or until the disability shall cease. But when the gov- 
ernor shall, with the consent of the legislature, be out of the State 
in time of war, at the head of a military force thereof, he shall 
continue commander-in-chief of all the military force of the State. 

§7. Qualifications and duties of lieutenant-governor, f Guber- 
natorial succession. — The lieutenant-governor shall possess the 
same qualifications of eligibility for office as the governor. He 
shall be president of the senate, but shall have only a casting vote 
therein. If, during a A'acancy of the office of governor, the lieu- 
tenant-governor shall be impeached, displaced, resign, die, or be- 
come incapable of performing the duties of his office, or be absent 
from the State, the president of the senate shall act as governor 
until the vacancy be filled, or the disability shall cease; f and if 
the president of the senate for any of the above causes shall be- 
come incapable of performing the duties to the office of governor, 
the speaker of the assembly shall act as governor until the vacancy 
be filled or the disability shall cease. 

§ 8. Salary of lieutenant-governor.— The lieutenant-governor 
shall receive for his services an annual salary of five thousand 
dollars, and shall not receive or be entitled to any other compen- 
sation, fee or perquisite for any duty or service he may be required 
to perform by the constitution or by law. 

§ 9. Bills to be presented to governor; approval or veto; passage 
of bill by legislature if vetoed. — Every bill which shall have 
passed the senate and assembly shall, before it becomes a law, be 
presented to the governor; if he approve, he shall sign it; but if 
not, he shall return it with his objections to the house in which 
it shall have originated, which shall enter the objections at large 
on the journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such recon- 
sideration, two-thirds of the members elected to that house shall 
agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent together with the objections 
to the other house by which it shall likewise be reconsidered; and 



CONSTITUTION 347 

if approved by two-thirds of the members elected to that house, 
it shall become a law notwithstanding the objections of the gover- 
nor. In all such cases the votes in both houses shall be determined 
by yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting shall 
be entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill 
shall not be returned by the governor within ten days (Sundays 
excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall 
be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the legisla- 
ture shall, by their adjournment, prevent its return, in which case 
it shall not become a law without the approval of the governor. 
No bill shall become a law after the final adjournment of the leg- 
islature, unless approved by the governor within thirty days after 
such adjournment. If any bill presented to the governor contain 
several items of appropriation of money, he may object to one or 
more of such items while approving of the other portion of the bill. 
In such case, he shall append to the bill, at the time of signing 
it, a statement of the items to which he objects; and the appro- 
priation so objected to shall not take effect. If the legislature be 
in session he shall transmit to the house in which the bill origi- 
nated a copy of such statement, and the items objected to shall 
be separately reconsidered. If, on reconsideration, one or more of 
such items be approved by two- thirds of the members elected to 
each house, the same shall be part of the law, notwithstanding the 
objections of the governor. All the provisions of this section, in 
relation to bills not approved by the governor, shall apply in cases 
in which he shall withhold his approval from any item or items 
contained in a bill appropriating money. 

ARTICLE V— Other State Officers 

§ 1. State officers. — The secretary of state, comptroller, treas- 
urer, attorney-general and state engineer and surveyor shall be 
chosen at a general election, at the times and places of electing 
the governor and lieutenant-governor, and shall hold their offices 
for two years, except as provided in section two of this article. 
Each of the officers in this article named, excepting the speaker 
of the assembly, shall, at stated times during his continuance in 
office, receive for his services a compensation which shall not be 
increased or diminished during the term for which he shall have 
been elected ; nor shall he receive to his use any fees or perquisites 
of office, or other compensation, f No person shall be elected to the 



348 ^^W YORE STATE 

office oi state engineer and surveyor who is not a practical civil 
engineer. 

§ 2. When elected; terms of office.— f The first election of the 
secretary of State, comptroller, treasurer, attorney-general and 
State engineer and surveyor, pursuant to this article, shall be held 
in the year 1895, and their terms of office shall begin on the first 
day of January following, and shall be for three years. At the 
general election in the year 1898, and every two years thereafter, 
their successors shall be chosen for the term of two years.* 

§ 3. Superintendent of public works.— A superintendent of pub- 
lic works shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the 
advice and consent of the senate, and hold his office until the end 
of the term of the governor by whom he was nominated, and until 
his successor is appointed and qualified. He shall receive a com- 
pensation to be fixed by law. He shall be required by law to 
give security for the faithful execution of his office before entering 
upon the duties thereof. He shall be charged with the execution 
of all laws relating to the repair and navigation of the canals, and 
also of those relating to the construction and improvement of the 
canals, except so far as the execution of the laws relating to such 
construction or improvement shall be confided to the State engi- 
neer and surveyor; subject to the control of the legislature, he 
shall make the rules and regulations for the navigation or use of 
the canals. He may be suspended or removed from office by the 
governor, whenever, in his judgment, the public interest shall so 
require; but in case of the removal of such superintendent of 
public works from office, the governor shall file with the secre- 
tary of State a statement of the cause of such removal, and shall 
report such removal, and the cause thereof, to the legislature at 
its next session. The superintendent of public works shall ap- 
point not more than three assistant superintendents, whose duties 
shall be prescribed by him, subject to modification by the legis- 
lature, and who shall receive for their services a compensation 
to be fixed by law. They shall hold their office for three years, 
subject to suspension or removal by the superintendent of public 
works, whenever, in his judgment, the public interest shall so re- 
quire. Any vacancy in the office of any such assistant superintend- 
ent shall be filled for the remainder of the term for which he was 
appointed by the superintendent of public works; but in case of 

■^i^i — ■■—■■■■«' ■ ■ -■ , - t- ■ - ■■ ■ . ■ ■~---r' • ■ ■■ ■!■ iM ■ ■ — . 

I 

* See f Qot-note on page 337. 



CONSTITUTION 349 

the suspension or removal of any such assistant superintendent by 
him, he shall at once report to the governor, in writing, the cause 
of such removal. All other persons employed in the care and 
management of the canals, except collectors of tolls, and those in 
the department of the State engineer and surveyor, shall be ap- 
pointed by the superintendent of public works, and be subject 
to suspension or removal by him. The superintendent of public 
works shall perform all the duties of the canal commissioners, 
and board of canal commissioners, as now declared by law, until 
otherwise provided by the legislature. The governor, by and 
with the advice and consent of the senate, shall have power to fill 
vacancies in the office of superintendent of public works; if the 
senate be not in session, he may grant commissions which shall 
expire at the end of the next succeeding session of the senate. 

§ 4. Superintendent of State prisons. — A superintendent of 
State prisons shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the 
advice and consent of the senate, and hold his office for five years 
unless sooner removed; he shall give security in such amount, and 
with such sureties as shall be required by law for the faithful dis- 
charge of his duties; he shall have the superintendence, manage- 
ment and control of State prisons, subject to such laws as now 
exist or may hereafter be enacted; he shall appoint the agents, 
wardens, physicians and chaplains of the prisons. The agent and 
warden of each prison shall appoint all other officers of such prison, 
except the clerk, subject to the approval of the same by the super- 
intendent. The comptroller shall appoint the clerks of the prisons. 
The superintendent shall have all the powers and perform all the 
duties not inconsistent herewith, which were formerly had and 
performed by the inspectors of State prisons. The governor may 
remove the superintendent for cause at any time, giving to him a 
copy of the charges against him, and an opportunity to be heard 
in his defence. 

§5. Commissioners of the land office; of the canal fund; canal 
board. — The lieutenant-governor, speaker of the assembly, secre- 
tary of State, comptroller, treasurer, attorney-general and State 
engineer and surveyor, shall be the commissioners of the land 
office. The lieutenant-governor, secretary of State, comptroller, 
treasurer and attorney-general shall be the commissioners of the 
canal fund. The canal board shall consist of the commissioners 
of the canal fund, the State engineer and surveyor, and the super- 
intendent of public works. 



350 iVE'TT YORK STATE 

§ 6. Powers and duties of boards.— The powers and duties of 
the respective boards, and of the several officers in this article 
mentioned, shall be such as now are or hereafter may be prescribed 
by law. 

§ 7. State treasurer may be suspended. — The treasurer may be 
suspended from office by the governor, during the recess of the 
legislature, and until thirty days after the commencement of the 
next session of the legislature, whenever it shall appear to him 
that such treasurer has, in any particular, violated his duty. The 
governor shall appoint a competent person to discharge the duties 
of the office during such suspension of the treasurer. 

§ 8. Certain offices abolished. — All offices for the weighing, 
gauging, measuring, culling or inspecting any merchandise, prod- 
uce, manufacture or commodity whatever, are hereby abolished, 
and no such office shall hereafter be created by law; but nothing 
in this section contained shall abrogate any office created for the 
purpose of protecting the public health or the interests of the State 
in its property, revenue, tolls, or purchases, or of supplying the 
people with correct standards of weights and measures, or shall 
prevent the creation of any office for such purposes hereafter. 

§ g. t Civil service. — Appointments and promotions in the civil 
service of the State, and of all the civil divisions thereof, including 
cities and villages, shall be made according to merit and fitness to 
be ascertained, so far as practicable, by examinations, which, so far 
as practicable, shall be competitive; provided, however, that honor- 
ably discharged soldiers and sailors from the army and navy of the 
United States in the late civil war, who are citizens and residents 
of this State, shall be entitled to preference in appointment and 
promotion, without regard to their standing on any list from which 
such appointment or promotion may be made. Laws shall be 
made to provide for the enforcement of this section. 

ARTICLE VI— The Judiciary 

§ I. Supreme Court; how constituted; judicial districts. — fThe 
Supreme Court is continued with general jurisdiction in law and 
equity, subject to such apellate jurisdiction of the Court of Ap- 
peals as now is or may be prescribed by law not inconsistent with 
this article. The existing judicial districts of the State are con- 
tinued until changed as hereinafter provided. The Supreme Court 
shall consist of the justices now in office, and of the judges trans- 



CONSTITUTION 35l 

ferred thereto by the fifth section of this article, all of whom shall 
continue to be justices of the Supreme Court during their respect- 
ive terms, and of twelve additional justices who shall reside m, 
and be chosen by the electors of, the several existing judicial dis- 
tricts, three in the first district, three in the second, and one in 
each of the other districts; and of their successors. The succes- 
sors of said justices shall be chosen by the electors of their respect- 
ive judicial districts. The legislature may alter the judicial dis- 
tricts once after every enumeration, under the constitution, of the 
inhabitants of the State, and thereupon reapportion the justices 
to be thereafter elected in the district so altered. 

§ 2 Judicial departments; appellate division; governor to desig- 
nate justices; time and place of holding court.- 1 The legisla- 
ture shall divide the State into four judicial departments. The 
first department shall consist of the County of New York; the 
others shall be bounded by county lines, and be compact and equal 
in population as nearly as may be. Once every ten years the 
legislature may alter the judicial departments, but without in- 
creasing the number thereof. 

There shall be an appellate division of the Supreme Court, con- 
sisting of seven justices in the first department, and of five justices 
in each of the other departments. In each department four shall 
constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of three shall be neces- 
sary to a decision. No more than five justices shall sit in any case. 
^om all the justices elected to the Supreme Court the governor 
shall designate those who shall constitute the appellate division 
in each department; and he shall designate the presiding justice 
thereof, who shall act as such during his term of office^^ and shall 
be a resident of the department. The other justices shall be desig- 
nated for terms of five years, or the unexpired portions of then- 
respective tei-ms of offices, if less than five years. From time to 
time as the terms of such designations expire, or vacancies occur, 
he shall make new designations. He may also make temporary 
designations, in case of the absence or inability to act, of any jus- 
tice°in the appellate division. A majority of the justices desig- 
nated to sit in the appellate division in each department shall be 
residents of the department. Whenever the appellate division m 
any department shall be unable to dispose of its business withm a 
reasonable time, a majority of the presiding justices of he s.ve.a 
departments, at a meering called by the presiding justice of the 
department in arrears, may transfer any pending appeals from 



35^ I^BW YORK STATE 

i 
such department to any other department for hearing and deter- 
mination. No justice of the appellate division shall exercise any 
of the poAvers of a justice of the Supreme Court, other than those 
of a justice out of court, and those pertaining to the appellate 
division or to the hearing and decision of motions submitted by 
consent of counsel. From and after the last day of December 
1895, the appellate division shall have the jurisdiction now exer- 
cised by the Supreme Court at its general terms, and by the gen- 
eral terms of the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County 
of New York, the Superior Court of the City of New York, the 
Superior Court of Buffalo and the City Court of Brooklyn, and 
such additional jurisdiction as may be conferred by the legisla- 
ture. It shall have power to appoint and remove a reporter. 

The justices of the appellate division in each department shall 
have power to fix the times and places for holding special and 
trial terms therein, and to assign the justices in the departments 
to hold such terms; or to make rules therefor. 

§ 3. Judge or justice not to sit in review; testimony in equity 
cases. — t ^"^ judge or justice shall sit in the appellate division 
or in the Court of Appeals in review of a decision made by him 
or by any court of which he was at the time a sitting member. 
The testimony in equity cases shall be taken in like manner as 
in cases at law; and, except as herein otherwise provided, the 
legislature shall have the same power to alter and regulate the 
jurisdiction and proceedings in law and in equity that it has here- 
tofore exercised. 

§ 4. Terms of office ; vacancies, how filled. — f The official terms 
of the justices of the Supreme Court shall be fourteen years from 
and including the first daj^ of January next after their election. 
When a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term 
in the office of justices of the Supreme Court, the same shall be 
filled for a full term, at the next general election, happening not 
less than three months after such vacancy occurs; and, until the 
vacancy shall be so filled, the governor by and with the advice 
and consent of the senate, if the senate shall be in session, or if 
not in session, the governor may fill such vacancy by appoint- 
ment, which shall continue until and including the last day of De- 
cember next after the election at which the vacancy shall be filled. 

§ 5. City courts abolished; judges become justices of Supreme 
Court; salaries; jurisdiction vested in Supreme Court. — f'^^^ ^^" 
perior Co-urt of the City of New York, the Court of Common 



CONSTITUTIO]^ 353 

Pleas for Ihe City and County of New York, the Superior Court 
of Buffalo, and the City Court of Brooklyn, are abolished from 
and after the first day of January 1896, and thereupon the seals, 
records, papers and documents of or belonging to such courts 
shall be deposited in the offices of the clerks of the several counties 
in which said courts now exist; and all actions and proceedings 
then pending in such courts shall be transferred to the Supreme 
Court for hearing and determination. The judges of said courts 
in office on the first day of January 1896, shall, for the remainder 
of the terms for which they were elected or appointed, be justices 
of the Supreme Court; but they shall sit only in the counties in 
which they were elected or appointed. Their salaries shall be 
paid by the said counties respectively, and shall be the same as 
the salaries of the other justices of the Supreme Court residing 
in the same counties. Their successors shall be elected as justices 
of the Supreme Court by the electors of the judicial districts in 
which they respectively reside. 

The jurisdiction now exercised by the several courts hereby 
abolished shall be vested in the Supreme Court. Appeals from 
inferior and local courts now heard in the Court of Common Pleas 
for the City and County of New York and the Superior Court of 
Buffalo shall be heard in the Supreme Court in such manner and 
by such justice or justices as the appellate division in the respect- 
ive departments which include New York and Buffalo shall direct, 
unless otherwise provided by the legislature. 

§ 6. Circuit courts and courts of Oyer and Terminer abolished. — 

•j- Circuit courts and courts of Oyer and Terminer are abolished from 
a.id after the last day of December 1895. All their jurisdiction 
shall thereupon be vested in the Supreme Court, and all actions 
and proceedings then pending in such courts shall be transferred 
to the Supreme Court for hearing and determination. Any justice 
of the Supreme Court, except as otherwise provided in this article, 
may hold court in any county. 

§ 7. Court of Appeals. — f '^^^ Court of Appeals is continued. 
It shall consist of the chief judge and associate judges now in 
office, who shall hold their offices until the expiration of their 
respective terms, and their successors, who shall be chosen by the 
electors of the State. The official tenns of the chief judge and 
associate judges shall be fourteen years from and including the 
first day of January next after their election. Five members of 
the court shall form a quorum, and the concurrence of four shall 



354 y^W YORK STATE 

be necessary to a decision. The court shall have power to appoint 
and to remove its reporter, clerk and attendants. 

§ 8. Vacancies in Court of Appeals; how filled.— When a vacancy 
shall occur, otherwise than by expiration of term, in the office 
of chief or associate judge of the Court of Appeals, the same shall 
be filled, for a full term, at the next general election happening not 
less than three months after such vacancy occurs; and until the 
vacancy shall be so filled, the governor by and with the advice 
and consent of the senate, if the senate shall be in session, or if 
not, the governor may fill such vacancy by appointment, f If any 
such appointment of chief judge shall be made from among the 
associate judges, a temporary appointment of associate judge shall 
be made in like manner; but in such case, the person appointed 
chief judge shall not be deemed to vacate his office of associate 
judge any longer than until the expiration of his appointment as 
chief judge. The powers and jurisdiction of the court shall not 
be suspended for want of appointment or election, when the num- 
ber of judges is sufficient to constitute a quorum. All appoint- 
ments under this section shall continue until and including the 
last day of December next after the election at which the vacancy 
shall be filled. 

§ 9. Jurisdiction of Court of Appeals.— f After the last day of 
December 1895, the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals, except 
where the judgment is of death, shall be limited to the review of 
questions of law. No unanimous decision of the Appellate Division 
of the Supreme Court that there is evidence supporting or tend- 
ing to sustain a finding of fact or a verdict not directed by the 
court, shall be reviewed by the Court of Appeals. Except where 
the judgment is of death, appeals may be taken as of right to 
said court only from judgments or orders entered upon decisions 
of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, finally determin- 
ing actions or special proceedings, and from orders granting new 
trials on exceptions, where the appellants stipulate that upon 
affirmance judgment absolute shall be rendered against them. The 
Appellate Division in any department may, however, allow an ap- 
peal upon any question of law which, in its opinion, ought to be 
revicM^ed by the Court of Appeals, 

§ 10. Judges not to hold any other officer^The judges of the 
Court of Appeals, and the justices of the Supreme Court, shall 
not hold any other office or public trust. All votes for any of 



CONSTITUTION 355 

them for any other than a judicial office, given by the legislature 
or the people, shall be void. 

§ II. Removal of judges. — Judges of the Court of Appeals and 
Justices of the Supreme Court may be removed by concurrent 
resolution of both houses of the legislature, if two-thirds of all 
the members elected to each house concur therein. All other 
judicial officers, except justices of the peace and judges or justices 
of inferior courts not of record, may be removed by the senate, 
on the recommendation of the governor, if two-thirds of all the 
members elected to the senate concur therein. But no officer aJiall 
be removed by virtue of this section except for cause, which shall 
be entered on the journals, nor unless he shall have been served 
with a statement of the cause alleged, and shall have had an op- 
portunity to be heard. On the question of removal, the yeas and 
nays shall be entered on the journal. 

§ 12. Compensation of judges; age restriction; assignment by 
governor. — The judges and justices hereinbefore mentioned shall 
receive for their services a compensation established by law, which 
shall not be Increased or diminished during their official terms, 
except as provided in section five of this article. No person shall 
hold the office of judge or justice of any court longer than until 
and including the last day of December next after he shall be 
seventy years of age. No judge or justice elected after the first 
day of Januaiy 1894, shall be entitled to receive any compensa- 
tion after the last day of December next after he shall be seventy 
years of age; but the compensation of every judge of the Court 
of Appeals or justice of the Supreme Court elected prior to the 
first day of January 1894, whose term of office has been, or whose 
present term of office shall be, so abridged, and who Shall have 
served as such judge or justice ten years or more, shall be con- 
tinued during the remainder of the term for which he was elected ; 
but any such judge or justice may, with his consent, be assigned 
by the governor, from time to time, to any duty in the Supreme 
Court Avhile his compensation is so continued. 

§ 13. Trial of impeachments. — Tlie assembly shall have the 
power of impeachment by a vote of a majority of all the mem- 
bers elected. The court for the trial of impeachments shall be 
composed of the president of the senate, the senators, or a major 
part of them, and the judges of the Court of Appeals, or the major 
part of them. On the trial of an impeachment against the gover- 
nor, the lieutenant-goveraor shall not act as a member of the 



356 NEW TORE STATE 

court. No judicial oflfieer shall exercise his oflSce, after articles of 
impeachment against him shall have been preferred to the senate, 
until he shall have been acquitted. Before the trial of an im- 
peachment the members of the court shall take an oath or affirma- 
tion, truly and impartially to try the impeachment, according to 
the evidence; and no person Shall be convicted without the con- 
currence of two-thirds of the members present. Judgment in cases 
of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from 
office, or removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy 
any office of honor, trust or profit under this State; but the party 
impeached shall be liable to indictment and punishment according 
to law. 

§14. County courts. — f The existing county courts are con- 
tinued, and the judges thereof now in office shall hold their offices 
until the expiration of their respective terms. In the County of 
Kings there shall be two county judges and the additional county 
judge shall be chosen at the next general election held after the 
adoption of this article. The successors of the several county 
judges shall be chosen by the electors of the counties for the term 
of six years. County courts shall have the powers and jurisdic- 
tion they now possess, and also original jurisdiction in actions for 
the recovery of money only, where the defendants reside in the 
county, and in which the complaint demands judgment for a sum 
not exceeding two thousand dollars. The legislature may here- 
after enlarge or restrict the jurisdiction of the county courts, pro- 
vided, however, that their jurisdiction shall not be so extended 
as to authorize an action therein for the recovery of money only, 
in which the sum demanded exceeds two thousand dollars, or in 
which any person not a resident of the county is a defendant. 

Courts of Sessions, except in the County of New York, are 
abolished from and after the last day of December 1895. All the 
jurisdiction of the Court of Sessions in each county, except the 
County of New York, shall thereupon be vested in the County 
Court thereof, and all actions and proceedings then pending in 
such Courts of Sessions shall be transferred to said County Courts 
for hearing and determination. Every County Judge shall per- 
form such duties as may be required by law. His salary shall 
be established by law, payable out of the county treasury. A 
County Judge of any county may hold County Courts in any 
other county when requested by the judge of such other county. 

.§ 15. Surrogates* Courts. — f The existing Surrogates' Courts are 



CONSTITUTION 357 

continued, and the Surrogates now in office shall hold their offices 
until the expiration of their tenns. Their successors shall be 
chosen by the electors of their respective counties, and their terms 
of office shall be six years, except in the County of New York, 
where they shall continue to be fourteen years. Surrogates and. 
Surrogates' Courts shall have the jurisdiction and powers which 
the Surrogates' and existing Surrogates' Courts now possess, until 
otherwise provided by the Legislature. The County Judge shall 
be Surrogate of his county, except where a separate Surrogate has 
been or shall be elected. In counties having a population ex- 
ceeding forty thousand, wherein there is no separate Surrogate, 
the Legislature may provide for the election of a separate officer 
to be Surrogate^ whose term of office shall be six years. When 
the Surrogate shall be elected as ^ separate officer, his salary shall 
be established by laAV, payable out of the county treasury. No 
County Judge or Surrogate shall hold office longer than until and 
including the last day of December next after he shall be seventy 
years of age. Vacancies occuixing in the office of County Judge 
or Surrogate shall be filled in the same manner as like vacancies 
occurring in the Supreme Court. The compensation of any County 
Judge or Surrogate shall not be increased or diminished during 
his term of office. For the relief of Sun-ogates' Courts the Legis- 
lature may confer upon the Supreme Court in any county having 
a population exceeding four hundred thousand, the powers and 
jurisdiction of Surrogates, with authority to try issues of fact by 
jury in probate cases. 

§ 1 6. Local judicial officers.— The Legislature may, on applica- 
tion of the Board of Supervisors, provide for the election of local 
officers, not to exceed two in any county, to discharge the duties 
of County Judge and of Surrogate, in cases of their inability, or 
of a vacancy, and in such other cases as may be provided by law, 
and to exercise such other powers in special cases as are or may 
be provided by law. 

§ 17. Justices of the peace; district court justices. — The electors 
of the several towns shall, at their annual town meetings, or at 
such other times and in such manner as the Legislature may di- 
rect, elect Justices of the Peace, whose term of office shall be four 
vears. In case of an election to fill a vacancy occumng before 
the expiration of a full ievva, they shall hold for the residue of 
the unexpired term. Their number and classification may be regu- 
lated by law. Justices of the Peace, and judges or justices of in- 



358 NEW YORK STATE 

ferior courts not of record and their clerks may be removed for 
cause, after due notice and an opportunity of being heard by such 
courts as are or may be prescribed by law. Justices of the Peace 
and District Court justices may be elected in the different cities 
of this State, in such manner, and with such powers, and for such 
terms, respectively, as are or shall be prescribed by law; all other 
judicial officers in cities, whose election or appointment is not 
otherwise provided for in this article, shall be chosen by the elec- 
tors of such cities, or appointed by some local authorities thereof. 

§ 1 8. Inferior local courts. — Inferior local courts * of civil and 
criminal jurisdiction may be established by the Legislature,! 
but no inferior local court hereafter created shall be a Court 
of Record. The Legislature shall not hereafter confer upon 
any inferior or local court of its creation any equity jurisdiction 
or any greater jurisdiction in other respects than is confenred 
upon County Courts, by or under this article. Except as herein 
otherwise provided, all judicial officers shall be elected or appointed 
at such times and in such manner as the Legislature may direct. 

§ 19. Clerks of courts. — Clerks of the several counties shall be 
Clerks of the Supreme Court, with such powers and duties as shall 
be prescribed by law. f The justices of the Appellate Division in 
each department shall have power to appoint and to remove a 
clerk who shall keep his office at a place to be designated by said 
justices. The Clerk of the Court of Appeals shall keep his office 
at the seat of government. The Clerk of the Court of Appeals 
and the Clerks of the Appellate Division shall receive compensation 
to be established by law and paid out of the public treasury. 

§ 20. No judicial officer, except Justices of the Peace, to receive 
fees; not to act as attorney or counsellor. — No judicial officer, 
except Justices of the Peace, shall receive to his own use any 
fees or perquisites of office; nor shall any Judge of the Court of 
Appeals, or Justice of the Supreme Court, f or any County Judge 
or Surrogate hereafter elected in a county having a population 
exceeding one hundred and twenty thousand, practise as an at- 
torney or counsellor in any Court of Record in this State, or act 
as referee. The Legislature may impose a similar prohibition upon 
County Judges and Surrogates in other counties. No one shall be 
eligible to the office of Judge of the Court of Appeals, Justice of 
the Supreme Court, or, except in the County of Hamilton, to the 

* i.e., police courts^ marine courts, district court in New York City, etc. 



CONSTITUTION 359 

office of County Judge or Surrogate, who is not an attorney and 
counsellor of this State. 

§ 21. Publication of statutes. — The Legislature shall provide 
for the speedy publication of all statutes, and shall regulate the 
reporting of the decisions of the courts; but all laws and judicial 
decisions shall be free for publication by any person, 

§ 22. Terms of office of present justices of the peace, and local 
judicial officers. — f Justices of the peace and other local judicial 
officers provided for in sections seventeen and eighteen, in office 
when this article takes eff'ect, shall hold their offices until the 
expiration of their respective terms. 

§ 23. Courts of special sessions. — Courts of special session shall 
have such jurisdiction of oflences of the grade of misdemeanors 
as may be prescribed by law. 

ARTICLE VII— Property and Debts of the State 

§ I. State credit not to be given. — The credit of the State shall 
not, in any manner, be given or loaned to, or in aid of any in- 
dividual, association or corporation. 

§ 2. State debts; power to contract. — The State may, to meet 
casual deficits or failures in revenues, or for expenses not pro- 
vided for, contract debts, but such debts, direct or contingent, 
singly or in the aggregate, shall not, at any time, exceed one 
million of dollars; and the moneys arising from the loans creating 
such debts shall be applied to the purpose for which they were 
obtained, or to repay the debt so contracted, and to no other pur- 
pose whatever, 

§ 3. State debts to repel invasions. — In addition to the above 
limited power to contract debts, the State may contract debts to 
repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or defend the State in war; 
but the money arising from the contracting of such debts shall be 
applied, to the purpose for which it was raised, or to repay such 
debts, and to no other purpose whatever. 

§ 4. Limitation of legislative power to create debts.— Except 
the debts specified in sections two and three of this article, no 
debts shall be hereafter contracted by or on behalf of this State, 
unless such debts shall be authorized by a law, for some single 
work or object, to be distinctly specified therein; and such law 
shall impose and provide for the collection of a direct annual tax 
to pay, and sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls 



360 ]!^BW YORK STATE 

due and also to pay and discharge the principal of such debt within 
eighteen years from the time of the contracting thereof. No such 
law shall take effect until it shall, at a general election, have been 
submitted to the people, and have received a majority of all the 
votes cast for and against it, at such election. On the final pas- 
sage of such bill in either house of the Legislature, the question 
shall be taken by ayes and noes, to be duly entered on the journals 
thereof, and shall be : " Shall this bill pass, and ought the same to 
receive the sanction of the people ? " 

The Legislature may at any time, after the approval of such law 
by the people, if no debt shall have been contracted in pursuance 
thereof, repeal the same; and may at any time, by law, forbid the 
contracting of any further debt or liability under such law; but 
the tax imposed by such act, in proportion to the debt and liability 
which may have been contracted, in pursuance of such law, shall 
remain in force and be irrepealable, and be annually collected, until 
the proceeds thereof shall have made the provision hereinbefore 
specified to pay and discharge the interest and principal of such 
debt and liability. The money arising from any loan or stock 
creating such debt or liability shall be applied to the work or ob- 
ject specified in the act authorizing such debt or liability, or for 
the repayment of such debt or liability, and for no other purpose 
whatever. No such law shall be submitted to be voted on, within 
three months after its passage, or at any general election, when 
any other law or any bill, or any amendment to the Constitution 
shall be submitted to be vot^d for or against. 

§ 5. Sinking funds, how kept and invested. — The sinking funds 
provided for the payment of interest and the extinguishment of 
the principal of the debts of the State shall be separately kept 
and safely invested, and neither of them shall be appropriated or 
used in any manner other than for the specific purpose for which 
it shall have been provided. 

§ 6. Claims barred by statute of limitations. — Neither the Legis- 
lature, Canal Board, nor any person or persons acting in behalf 
of the State, shall audit, allow or pay any claim which, as between 
citizens of the State, would be barred by lapse of time. This pro- 
vision shall not be construed to repeal any statute fixing the time 
within which claims shall be presented or alloAved, nor shall it ex- 
tend to any claims duly presented within the time allowed by 
law, and prosecuted with due diligence from the time of such pre- 
sentment. But if the claimant shall be under legal disability, the 



;; [CONSTITUTION 361 

claim may be presented within two years after sueli disability is 
removed. 

§7. Forest preserve. — fThe lands of the State, now owned or 
hereafter acquired, constituting the forest presei-ve as now fixed by 
law, shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. They shall not be 
leased, sold or exchanged, or be taken by any corporation, public 
or private, nor shall the timber thereon be sold, removed, or de- 
stroy«d. 

§8. Canals, not to be sold; disposition of funds.— The Legisla- 
ture shall not sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of the Erie canal, 
the Oswego canal, the Champlain canal, the Cayuga and Seneca 
canal, or the Black River canal, but they shall remain the property 
of the State and under its management forever. The prohibition 
of lease, sale or other disposition herein contained, shall not apply 
to the canal known as the Main and Hamburg street canal, situ- 
ated in the city of Buffalo, and which extends easterly from the 
westerly line of Main street to the westerly line of Hamburg 
street. All funds that may be derived from any lease, sale or 
other disposition of any canal shall be applied to the improve- 
ment, superintendence or repair of the remaining portion of the 
canals. 

§ g. Canals, tolls, expenses, contracts.— No tolls shall hereafter 
be imposed on persons or property transported on the canals, but 
all boats navigating the canals, and the owners and masters 
thereof, shall be subject to such laws and regulations as have been 
or may hereafter be enacted concerning the navigation of the 
canals. The Legislature shall annually, by equitable taxes, make 
provision for the expenses of the superintendence and repairs of 
the canals. All contracts for work or materials on any canal shall 
be made with the person who shall offer to do or provide the same 
at the lowest price with adequate security for their performance. 
No extra compensation shall be made to any contractor; but if, 
from any imforseen cause, the terms of any contract shall prove 
to be unjust and oppressive, the Canal Board may, upon the ap- 
plication of the contractor, cancel such contract. 

§ ID. Canal improvement and cost thereof. — f The canals may 
be improved in such manner as the Legislature shall provide by 
]aw. A debt may be authorized for that purpose in the mode 
described by section four of this article, or the cost of such im- 
provement may be defrayed by the appropriation of funds frorq. 
the State treasury, or by equitable annual tax. 



362 KEW YORK STATE 



ARTICLE VIII— Corporations; Use of Public Funds in Aid of 
Private Enterprises; Charitable Institutions 

§ I. Corporations, formation of. — Corporations may be formed 
under general laws; but shall not be created by special act, ex- 
cept for municipal purposes, and in eases where, in the judgment 
of the Legislature, the objects of the corporation cannot be at- 
tained under general laws. All general laws and special acts 
passed pursuant to this section may be altered from time to time 
or repealed. 

§ 2. Dues of corporations. — Dues from corporations shall be se- 
cured by such individual liability of the corporators and other 
means as may be prescribed by law. 

§ 3. Corporation, definition of term. — The term corporations as 
used in this article shall be construed to include all association 
and joint-stock companies having any of the powers or privileges 
of corporations not possessed by individuals or partnerships. And 
all corporations shall have the right to sue and shall be subject 
to be sued in all courts in like cases as natural persons. 

§ 4. Savings bank charters; restrictions upon trustees; special 
charters not to be granted. — The Legislature shall, by general 
law, conform all charters of savings banks, or institutions for sav- 
ings, to a uniformity of powers, rights and liabilities, and all char- 
ters hereafter granted for such corporations shall be made to con- 
form to such general law^ and to such amendments as may be 
made thereto. And no such corporation shall have any capital 
stock, nor shall the trustees thereof, or any of them, have any in- 
terest whatever, direct or indirect, in the profits of such corpora- 
tion; and no director or trustee of any such bank or institution 
shall be interested in any loan or use of any money or property 
of such bank or institution for savings. The Legislature shall have 
no power to pass any act granting any special charter for bank- 
ing purposes; but corporations or associations may be formed for 
such purposes under general laws. 

§ 5. Specie payments. — ^The Legislature shall have no power to 
pass any law sanctioning in any manner, directly or indirectly, the 
suspension of specie payments, by any person, association or cor- 
poration issuing bank notes of any description. 

§ 6. Registry of bills or notes. — The Legislature shall provide 
by law for the registry of all bills or notes issued, or put in ciy- 



CONSTITUTION 363 

culation as money, and shall require ample security for the re- 
demption of the same in specie. 

§ 7. Liability of stockholders of banks.— The stockholders of 
every corporation and joint-stock association for banking purposes 
shall be individually responsible to the amount of their respective 
share or shares of stock in any such corporation or association, for 
all its debts and liabilities of every kind. 

§ 8. Billholders of insolvent banks, preferred creditors. — In case 
of the insolvency of any bank or banking association, the bill- 
holders thereof shall be entitled to preference in payment over all 
other creditors of such bank or association. 

§ 9. Credit or money of the State not to be given. — Neither the 
credit nor the money of the State shall be given or loaned to or 
in aid of any association, corporation or private undertaking. This 
section shall not, hoAvever, prevent the Legislature from making 
such provision for the education and support of the blind, the deaf 
and dumb, and juvenile delinquents, as to it may seem proper. 
Nor shall it apply to any fund or property now held, or which 
may hereafter be held by the State for educational purposes. 

§ 10. Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or 
credit; limitation of indebtedness.— No county, city, town or 
village shall hereafter give any money or property, or loan its 
money or credit, to or in aid of any individual, association or cor- 
poration, or become, directly or indirectly, the owner of stock in or 
bonds of any association or corporation, nor shall any such county, 
city, town or village be allowed to incur any indebtedness, except 
for county, city, town or village purposes. This section shall not 
prevent such county, city, town or village from making such pro- 
vision for the aid or support of its poor, as may be authorized by 
law. No county or city shall be allowed to become indebted for 
any purpose or in any manner to an amount which, including ex- 
isting indebtedness, shall exceed ten per centum of the assessed 
valuation of the real estate of such county or city subject to taxa- 
tion, as it appeared by the assessment-rolls of said county or city 
on the last assessment for State or county taxes prior to the in- 
curring of such indebtedness; and all indebtedness in excess of 
such limitation, except such as may now exist, shall be absolutely 
void, except as herein otherwise provided. No county or city whose 
present indebtedness exceeds ten per centum of the assessed valua- 
tion of its real estate subject to taxation shall be allowed to be- 
come indebted in any further amount until such indebtedness shall 



364 NEW YORK STATE 

be reduced within sucli limit. This section shall not be construed 
to prevent the issuing of certificates of indebtedness or revenue 
bonds issued in anticipation of the collection of taxes for amounts 
actually containedj or to be contained in the taxes for the year 
when such certificates or revenue bonds are issued and payable 
out of such taxes. Nor shall this section be construed to prevent 
the issue of bonds to provide for the supply of water, but the term 
of the bonds issued to provide for the supply of water shall not 
exceed twenty years, and a sinking fund shall be created on the 
issuing of the said bonds for their redemption, by raising annually 
a sum which will produce an amount equal to the sum of the prin- 
cipal and interest of said bonds at their maturity. All certificates 
of indebtedness or revenue bonds issued in anticipation of the col- 
lection of taxes, which are not retired within five years after their 
date of issue, and bonds issued to provide for the supply of water, 
and any debt hereafter incurred by any portion or part of a city, 
if there shall be any such debt, shall be included in ascertaining 
the power of the city to become otherwise indebted. Whenever 
hereafter the boundaries of any city shall become the same as 
those of a county, the power of the county to become indebted 
shall cease, but the debt of the county at that time existing shall 
not be included as a part of the city debt. The amount hereafter 
to be raised by tax for county or city purposes, in any county 
containing a city of over one hundred thousand inhabitants, or any 
such city of this State, in addition to providing for the principal 
and interest of existing debt, shall not. in the aggregate exceed in 
any one year two per centum of the assessed valuation of the 
real and personal estate of such county or city, to be ascertained 
as prescribed in this section in respect to county or city debt. 

§ II. State boards and commissions; charities; lunacy; prisons. 
— f The Legislature shall provide for a State Board of Charities, 
■\Vhich shall visit and inspect all institutions, whether State, 
county, municipal, incorporated or not in coi*p orated, which are of 
a charitable, eleemosynary, correctional or reformatory character, 
excepting only such institutions as are hereby made subject to 
the visitation and inspection of either of the commissions here 
inafter mentioned, but including all reformatories, except those in 
which adult males convicted of felony shall be confined; a State 
Commission in Lunacy, which shall visit and inspect all institu- 
tions, either public or private, used for the care and treatment of 
the insane (not including institutions for epileptics or idiots) ; a 



COlfSTiTUTIOJSr 365 

State Commission of Prisons, which shall visit and inspect all in- 
stitutions used for the detention of sane adults charged with or 
convicted of crime, or detained as witnesses or debtors. 

§ 12. Boards appointed by Governor. — f The members of the 
said board and of the said commissions shall be appointed by the 
Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and 
any member may be removed from ofiflce by the Governor for 
cause, an opportunity having been given him to be heard in his 
defence. 

§ 13. Existing laws to remain in force. — Existing laws relating 
to institutions referred to in the foregoing sections and to their 
supervision and inspection, in so far as such laws are not incon- 
sistent with the provisions of the Constitution, shall remain in 
force until amended or repealed by the Legislature. The visita- 
tion and inspection herein provided for shall not be exclusive of 
other visitation and inspection now authorized by law. 

§ 14. Maintenance and support of inmates of charitable institu- 
tions. — t Nothing in this Constitution contained shall prevent the 
Legislature from making such provision for the education and sup- 
port of the blind, the deaf and dumb, and juvenile delinquents, as 
to it may seem proper; or prevent any county, city, town or 
village from providing for the care, support, maintenance and 
secular education of inmates of orphan asylums, homes for de- 
pendent children or correctional institutions, whether under pub- 
lic or private control. Payments by counties, cities, towns or 
villages to charitable, eleemosynary, correctional and reformatory 
institutions, whollj'^ or partly under private control, for care, sup- 
port and maintenance, may be authorized, but shall not be re- 
quired, by the Legislature. No such payments shall be made for 
any inmate of such institutions who is not received and retained 
therein pursuant to rules established by the State Board of Chari- 
ties. Such rules shall be subject to the control of the Legislature 
by general laws. 

§ 15. Commissioners continued in office. — Commissioners of the 
State Board of Charities and commissioners of the State Commis- 
sion in Lunacy, now holding office, shall be continued in office for 
the term for which they were appointed, respectively, unless the 
Legislature shall otherwise provide. The Legislature may confer 
upon the commissioners and upon the board mentioned in the fore- 
going sections any additional powers that are not inconsistent with 
other provisions of the Constitution. 



366 l^EW TORE STATE 



ARTICLE IX— Education and School Funds 

§ I. Common schools. — f The Legislature shall provide for the 
maintenance and support of a system of free common schools, 
wherein all the children of this State may be educated. 

§ 2. The Regents.— t The corporation created in the year 1784, 
under the name of The Regents of the University of the State of 
New York, is hereby continued under the name of The University 
of the State of New York. It shall be governed, and its corporate 
powers, which may be increased, modified or diminished by the 
Legislature, shall be exercised, by not less than nine regents. 

§3. Common school fund; literature fund; United States de- 
posit fund. — The capital of the common school fund, the capital 
of the literature fund, and the capital of the United States deposit 
fund, shall be respectively preserved inviolate. The revenue of 
the said common school fund shall be applied to the support of 
common schools; the revenue of the said literature fund shall be 
applied to the support of academies, and the sum of twenty-five 
thousand dollars of the revenues of the United States deposit fund 
shall each year be appropriated to and made part of the capital 
of the said common school fund. 

§ 4. No aid to denominational schools. — f Neither the State, nor 
any subdivision thereof, shall use its property or credit or any 
public money, or authorize or permit either to be used, directly 
or indirectly, in aid or maintenance, other than for examination 
or inspection, of any school or institution of learning w^holly or 
in part under the control or direction of any religious denomina- 
tion, or in which any denominational tenet or doctrine is taught. 



ARTICLE X— County Officers 

§ I. Sheriffs, clerks of counties, district attorneys and registers; 
Governor may remove. — Sheriffs, clerks of counties, district at- 
torneys and registers in counties having registers, shall be chosen 
by the electors of the respective counties, once in every three 
years, and as often as vacancies shall happen, f except in the coun- 
ties of New York and Kings, and in counties whose boundaries 
are the same as those of a city, where such officers shall be chosen 
by the electors once in every two or four years * as the Legislature 



* See foot-note on page J37. 



CONSTITUTIOI^ 367 

shall direct. Sheriflfg shall hold no other office, and be ineligible 
for the next term after the termination of their offices. They 
may be required by law to renew their security, from time to time, 
and in default of giving such new security, their offices shall be 
deemed vacant. But the county shall never be made responsible 
for the acts of the sheriff. The Governor may remove any officer 
in this section mentioned, within the term for which he shall have 
been elected, giving to such officer a copy of the charges against 
him, and an opportunity of being heard in his defence. 

§ 2. Appointment or election of officers not provided for by 
this Constitution. — All county officers whose election or appoint- 
ments is not provided for by thisi Constitution, shall be elected 
by the electors of the respective counties or appointed by the 
boards of supervisors, or other county authorities, as the Legisla- 
ture shall direct. All city, toAvn and village officers, whose election 
or appointment is not provided for by this Constitution, shall be 
elected by the electors of such cities, towns and villages, or of 
some division thereof, or appointed by such authorities thereof, 
as the Legislature shall designate for that purpose. All other 
officers whose election or appointment is not provided for by this 
Constitution, and all officers whose offices may hereafter be cre- 
ated by law, shall be elected by the people, or appointed, as the 
Legislature may direct. 

§ 3. Duration of term. — ^When the duration of any office is not 
provided by this Constitution, it may be declared by law, and if 
not so declared, such office shall be held during the pleasure of 
the authority making the appointment. 

§ 4. Time of election. — The time of electing all officers named 
in this article shall be prescribed by law. 

§ 5. Vacancies, how filled. — The Legislature shall provide for 
filling vacancies in office, and in case of elective officers no person 
appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold his office by virtue of such 
appointment longer than the commencement of the political year 
next succeeding the first annual election after the happening of 
the vacancy. 

§ 6. Political year. — The political year and Legislative term 
shall begin on the first day of January; and the Legislature shall, 
every year, assemble on the first f Wednesday in January. 

§ 7. Removal from office for misconduct, etc. — Provision shall 
be made by law for the removal for misconduct or malversation 
in office of all officers (except judicial) whose powers and duties 



^68 if^TT YOMK STATS 

are not local or legislative and who shall be elected at general 
elections, and also for supplying vacancies created by such removal. 

§ 8. Of&ces deemed vacant. — The Legislature may declare the 
cases in which any office shall be deemed vacant when no provision 
is made for that purpose in this Constitution. 

§ 9. Salaries. — No officer whose salary is fixed by the Constitu- 
tion shall receive any additional compensation. Each of the other 
state officers named in the Constitution shall, during his continu- 
ance in office, receive a compensation, to be fixed by law, which' 
shall not be Increased or diminished during the term for which he 
shall have been elected or appointed; nor shall he receive to his 
use, any fees or perquisites of office or other compensation. 



ARTICLE XI— Militia 

§ I. State Militia. — All able-bodied male citizens between the 
ages of eighteen and forty-five years, who are residents of the 
State, shall constitute the militia, subject however to such exemp- 
tions as are now, or may be hereafter, created by the laws of the 
United States, or by the Legislature of this State. 

§ 2. Enlistment. — The Legislature may provide for the enlist- 
ment into the active force of such other persons as may make 
application to be so enlisted. 

§3. Organization of militia.— f The militia shall be organized 
and divided into such land and naval, and active and reserve 
forces, as the Legislature may deem proper, provided however that 
there shall be maintained at all times a force of not less than 
ten thousand enlisted men, fully uniformed, armed, equipped, dis- 
ciplined and ready for active service. And it shall be the duty of 
the Legislature at each session to make sufficient appropriations 
for the maintenance thereof. 

§ 4. Appointment of military officers by the Governor. — f The 
governor shall appoint the chiefs of the several staff departments, 
his aides-de-camp and military secretaiy, all of whom shall hold 
office during his pleasure, their commissions to expire with the 
term for which the governor shall have been elected; he shall 
also nominate, and with the consent of the Senate, appoint all 
jnajor-generals. 

§ 5. Manner of electing military officers not appointed by the 
Governor. — f All other commissioned and non-commissioned officers 



' CONSTITUTION 369 

Bhall be chosen or appointed in such manner as the Legislature 
may deem most conducive to the improvement of the militia, pro- 
vided however that no law shall be passed changing the existing 
mode of election and appointment unless two-thirds of the mem- 
bers present in each house shall concur therein.* 

§ 6. Commissioned officers; removal. — The commissioned officers 
shall be commissioned by the Governor as commander-in-chief. 
No commissioned officer shall be removed from office during the 
term for wiiich he shall have been appointed or elected, unless by 
the Senate on the recommendation of the Governor, stating the 
grounds on which such removal is recommended, or by the sentence 
of a court-martial, or upon the findings of an examining board 
organized pursuant to law, or for absence without leave for a 
period of six months or more. 



ARTICLE XII— Cities and Villages 

§ I. Organization of cities and villages. — fit shall be the duty 
of the Legislature to provide for the organization of cities and 
incorporated villages, and to restrict their power of taxation, as- 
sessment, borrowing money, contracting debts and loaning their 
credit, so as to prevent abuses in assessments, and in contracting 
debt by such municipal corporations. 

§ 2. Classification of cities; general and special city laws. — 
f All cities are classified according to the latest state enumera- 
tion, as from time to time made, as follow^s: The first class in- 
cludes all cities having a population of two hundred and fifty 
thousand, or more; the second class, all cities having a popula- 
tion of fifty thousand and less than two hundred and fifty thou- 
sand; the third class, all other cities. Laws relating to the prop- 
erty, affairs or government of cities, and the several departments 



* The following is an abstract of the law in force at present : 
OflB.cer8, how Chosen. —(a) Captains, subalterns, and non-commissioned 
officers to be elected by their companies. (i») Field-officers of regiments or 
"battalions to be elected hy the commissioned officers of their regiments or 
battalions, (c) Brigadier-generals and brigade inspectors to be elected by 
the field-officers of their brigades, {d) Staff -officers to be appointed by the 
commanding officer of the regiment or battalion. 

Appointmenta by Governor.— (a) Major-generals and the commissary- 
general to he appointed by the governor and senate. (6) Adjutant general, 
chiefs of staff departments, and aides-de-camp of the commander-in-chief 
to be appointed by the governor alone. 



370 ^^W YORK STATS 

thereof, are divided into general and special city laws; general 
city laws are those which relate to all the cities of one or more 
classes; special city laws are those which relate to a single city, 
or to less than all the cities of a class. Special city laws shall 
not be passed except in conformity with the provisions of this 
section. After any bill for a special city law, relating to a city, 
has been passed by both branches of the Legislature, the house 
in which it originated shall immediately transmit a certified copy 
thereof to the mayor of such city, and within fifteen days there- 
after the mayor shall return such bill to the house from which it 
was sent, or if the session of the Legislature at which such bill 
was passed has terminated, to the Governor, with the mayor's cer- 
tificate thereon, stating whether the city has or has not accepted 
the same. 

In every city of the first class, the mayor, and in every other 
city, the mayor and the legislative body thereof concurrently, 
shall act for such city as to such bill: but the Legislature may 
provide for the concurrence of the legislative body in cities of the 
first class. The Legislature shall provide for a public notice and 
opportunity for a public hearing concerning any such bill in every 
city to which it relates, before action thereon. Such a bill, if it 
relates to more than one city, shall be transmitted to the mayor of 
each city to which it relates, and shall not be deemed accepted 
unless accepted as herein provided, by every such city. Whenever 
any such bill is accepted as herein provided, it shall be subject, as 
are other bills, to the action of the Governor. Whenever, during 
the session at which it was passed, any such bill is returned with- 
out the acceptance of the city or cities to which it relates, or 
within such fifteen days is not returned, it may nevertheless again 
be passed by both branches of the Legislature, and it shall then be 
subject, as are other bills, to the action of the Governor. In every 
special city law which has been accepted by the city or cities to 
which it relates, the title shall be followed by the words " accepted 
by the city " or " cities," as the case may be ; in every such law 
which is passed without such acceptance, by the words " passed 
without the acceptance of the city," or " cities," as the case 
may be. 

§ 3. City elections. — f All elections of city officers, including 
supervisors and judicial officers of inferior local courts, elected in 
any city or part of a city, and of county officers elected in the 
counties of New York and Kings, and in all counties whose boun- 



CONSTITUTION 371 

daries are the same as those of a city, except to fill vacancies, 
shall be held on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday in No- 
vember in an odd-numbered year, and the term of every such 
ofl&cer shall expire at the end of an odd-numbered year.* The 
terms of office of all such officers, elected before the first day of 
January 1895, whose successors have not then been elected, which 
under existing laws would expire with an even-numbered year, or 
in an odd-numbered year and before the end thereof, are extended 
to and including the last day of December next following the time 
when such terms would otherwise expire; the terms of office of all 
such officers, which under existing laws would expire in an even- 
numbered year and before the end thereof, are abridged so as to 
expire at the end of the preceding year. This section shall not 
apply to any city of the third class, or to elections of any judicial 
officer, except judges and justices of inferior local courts. 



ARTICLE XIII— Oath of Office; Bribery and Official Corruption 

§ I. Oath of office. — Members of the Legislature, and all officers, 
executive and judicial, except such inferior officers as shall be by 
law exempted, shall, before they enter on the duties of their re- 
spective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirma- 
tion: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the 
Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the 
State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties 
of the office of according to the best of my ability;" 

and all such officers w^ho shall have been chosen at any election 
shall, before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, 
take and subscribe the oath or affirmation above prescribed, to- 
gether with the following addition thereto, as part thereof: 

"And I do further solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not 
directly or indirectly paid, offered or promised to pay, contributed, 
or offered or promised to contribute, any money or other valuable 
thing as a consideration or reward for the giving or withholding a 
vote at the election at which I was elected to said office, and have 
not made any promise to influence the giving or withholding any 
such vote," and no other oath, declaration or test, shall be required 
as a qualification for any office of public trust. 

* See foot-note on page 357 



372 J^EW YORK STATE 

§ 2. Official bribery and corruption. — f ^^7 person holding office 
under the laws of this State, who, except in payment of his legal 
salary, fees or perquisites, shall receive or consent to receive, di- 
rectly or indirectly, any thing of value or of personal advantage, 
or the promise thereof, for performing or omitting to perform any 
official act, or with the express or implied understanding that his 
official action or omission to act is to be in any degree influenced 
thereby, shall be deemed guilty of a felony. This section shall 
not affect the validity of any existing statute in relation to the 
offence of bribery. 

§ 3. Offer or promise to bribe. — f ^^J person who shall offer or 
promise a bribe to an officer, if it shall be received, shall be deemed 
guilty of a felony * and liable to punishment, except as herein pro- 
Aided. No person offering a bribe shall, upon any prosecution of 
the officer for receiving such bribe, be privileged from testifying 
in relation thereto, and he shall not be liable to civil or criminal 
prosecution therefor, if he shall testify to the giving or offering 
of such bribe. Any person who shall offer or promise a bribe, if it 
be rejected by the officer to whom it was tendered, shall be deemed 
guilty of an attempt to bribe, which is hereby declared to be a 
felony. 

§ 4. Person bribed or offering a bribe may be a witness. — Any' 
person charged with receiving a bribe, or with offering or promis- 
ing a bribe, shall be permitted to testify in his own behalf in any- 
civil or criminal prosecution therefor. 

§ 5. Free passes, franking privileges, etc., not to be received by 
public officers: penalty. — fNo public officer, or person elected or 
appointed to a public office, under the laws of this State, shall 
directly or indirectly ask, demand, accept, receive or consent to 
receive for his own use or benefit, or for the use or benefit of 
another, any free pass, free transportation, franking privilege or 
discrimination in passenger, telegraph or telephone rates, from anj 
person or corporation, or make use of the same himself or in con- 
junction with another. A person who violates any provision of 
this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall 
forfeit his office at the suit of the attorney-general. Any cor- 
poration or officer or agent thereof who shall offer or promise to a 
public officer, or person elected or appointed to a public office, any 



* A crime that is punishable by imprisonment In State prison or by 
death. 



CONSTITUTIOI^ 373 

such free pass, free transportation, franking privilege or discrimina- 
tion, shall also be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and liable to 
punishment, except as herein provided. No person, or officer, or 
agent of a corporation giving any such free pass, free transporta- 
tion, franking privilege or discrimination hereby prohibited, shall 
be privileged from testifying in relation thereto, and he shall not 
be liable to civil or criminal prosecution therefor, if he shall testify 
to the giving of the same. 

§ 6. Removal of district attorney for failure to prosecute; ex- 
penses of prosecutions for bribery. — fAny district attorney who 
shall fail faithfully to prosecute a person charged ^\ith the viola- 
tion in his county of any provision of this article which may come 
to his knowledge shall be removed from office by the governor, 
after due notice and an opportunity of being heard in his defence. 
The expenses which shall be incurred by any county, in investi- 
gating and prosecuting any charge of bribery or attempting to 
bribe any person holding office under the laws of this State, within 
such county, or of receiving bribes by any such person in said 
county, shall be a charge against the State, and their payment by 
the State shall be provided for by law. 

ARTICLE XIV— Amendments 

§ I. How made. — Any amendment or amendments to this Con- 
stitution may be proposed in the Senate and Assembly ; and if the 
same shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to 
each of the two houses, such proposed amendment or amendments 
shall be entered on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken 
thereon, and referred to the Legislature to be chosen at the next 
general election of senators, and shall be published for three 
months previous to the time of making such choice; and if in the 
Legislature so next chosen, as aforesaid, such proposed amend- 
ment or amendments shall be agreed to by a majority of all the 
members elected to each house, then it shall be the duty of the 
Legislature to submit such proposed amendment or amendments 
to the people for approval, in such manner and at such time as the 
Legislature shall prescribe; and if the people shall approve and 
ratify such amendment or amendments, by a majority of the elec- 
tors voting tliereon, such amendment or amendments shall become 
part of the Constitution f from and after the first day of January 
next after such approval. 



374 J!^BW YORK STATE 

\ 2. Future constitutional conventions. — f At the general elec- 
tion to be held in the year 1916, and every twentieth year there- 
after, and also at such times as the Legislature may by law pro- 
vide, the question, " Shall there be a convention to revise the Con- 
stitution and amend the same?" shall be decided by the electors 
of the State; and in case a majority of the electors voting thereon 
shall decide in favor of a convention for such purpose, the elec- 
tors of every Senate district of the State, as then organized, shall 
elect three delegates at the next ensuing general election at which 
Members of the Assembly shall be chosen, and the electors of the 
State voting at the same election shall elect fifteen delegates-at- 
large. The delegates so elected shall convene at the capitol on the 
first Tuesday of April next ensuing after their election, and shall 
continue their session until the business of such convention shall 
have been completed. Every delegate shall receive for his services 
the same compensation and the same mileage as shall then be an- 
nually payable to the Members of the Assembly. A majority of 
the convention shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business, and no amendment to the Constitution shall be submitted 
for approval to the electors as hereinafter provided, unless by the 
assent of a majority of all the delegates elected to the convention, 
the yeas and nays being entered on the journal to be kept. The 
convention shall have the power to appoint such officers, employes 
and assistants as it may deem necessary, and fix their compensa- 
tion and to provide for the printing of its documents, journal and 
proceedings. The convention shall determine the rules of its own 
proceedings, choose its own officers, and be the judge of the elec- 
tion, returns and qualifications of its members. In case of a va- 
cancy, by death, resignation or other cause, of any district dele- 
gate elected to the convention, such vacancy shall be filled by a 
vote of the remaining delegates representing the district in which 
such vacancy occurs. If such vancancy occurs in the office of a 
delegate-at-large, such vacancy shall be filled by a vote of the 
remaining delegates-at-large. Any proposed constitution or con- 
stitutional amendment which shall have been adopted by such 
convention, shall be submitted to a vote of the electors of the State 
at the time and in the manner provided by such convention, at 
an election which shall be held not less than six weeks after the 
adjournment of such convention. Upon the approval of such con- 
stitution or constitutional amendments, in the manner provided 
in the last preceding section, such constitution or constitutional 



I 



SENATE DISTRICTS 37o 

amendment shall go into effect on the first day of January next 
after such approval. 

§ 3. Priority of amendments —Any amendment proposed by a 
constitutional convention relating to the same subject as an 
amendment proposed by the Legislature, coincidently submitted 
to the people for approval at the general election held in the year 
1894, or at any subsequent election, shall, if approved, be deemed 
to supersede the amendment so proposed by the Legislature. 



ARTICLE XV 

§ I. f This Constitution shall be in force from and Including the 
first day of January 1895, except as herein otherwise provided. 

Done in Convention at the Capitol in the city of Albany, 
the twenty-ninth day of September, in the year 
one thousand eight hundred and ninety-four, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America 
the one hundred and nineteenth. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed 

our names. 

Joseph Hodges Choate, 

President and Delegate-at-Large. 

Chakles Elliott Fitch, 

Secretary. 



SENATE DISTRICTS 

Consist of eotinties or wards as follows: 

1. Suffolk and Richmond. 

2. Queens. 

3. The First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth wards of 

Brooklyn. 

4. The Seventh, Thirteenth, Nineteenth and Twenty-first wards 

of Brooklyn, 
6. The Eighth, Tenth, Twelfth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first wards 

of Brooklyn. 
6. The Ninth, Eleventh, Twentieth and Twenty-second wards ol 

Brooklyn, 



376 NEW YORK STATE 

7. The Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth wards 

of Brooklyn. 

8. The Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth and Twenty- 

ninth wards of Brooklyn and the town of Flatlands. 

9. The Eighteenth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh and Twenty- 

eighth wards of Brooklyn. 
10 to 21., inclusive, are wholly within the County of New York. 
The boundaries are arbitrary, being fixed without regard 
to ward lines. 

22. Westchester. 

23. Orange and Rockland. 

24. Dutchess, Columbia and Putnam. 

25. Ulster and Greene. 

26. Delaware, Chenango and Sullivan. 

27. Montgomery, Fulton, Hamilton and Schoharie. 

28. Saratoga, Schenectady and Washington. 

29. Albany. 

30. Rensselaer. 

31. Clinton, Essex and Warren. 

32. St. Lawrence and Franklin. 

33. Otsego and Herkimer. 

34. Oneida. 

35. Jefferson and Lewis. 

36. Onondaga. 

37. Oswego and Madison. 

38. Broome, Cortland and Tioga. 

39. Cayuga and Seneca. 

40. Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler. 

41. Steuben and Yates. . 

42. Ontario and Wayne. 

43. The part of Monroe County comprising the towns of Brighton, 

Henrietta, Irondequoit, Mendon, Penfield, Perrinton, Pitts- 
ford, Rush, Webster, also the Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, 
Eighth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Sixteenth, Seven- 
teenth and Eighteenth wards of Rochester. .. .. , 

44. The towns of Chili, Qarkson, Gates, Greece, Hamlin, Ogden, 

Parma, Riga, Sweden and Wheatland in the County of 
Monroe, and the First, Second, Fifteenth, Nineteenth and 
Twentieth wards of the city of Rochester. 

45. Niagara, Genesee and Orleans. 

46. Allegany, Livingston and Wyoming. 



ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS 37 Y 

47. The First, Second, Third, Sixth, Fifteenth, Nineteenth, Twen- 

tieth, TAventy-first, Twenty-second, Twenty-third and 
Twenty-fourth wards of Buffalo, 

48. The Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, 

Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Sixteenth wards of 

Buffalo. 

49. The Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Twenty-fifth wards of Buf- 

falo and the remainder of Erie County. 

50. Chautauqua and Cattaraugus. 



ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS 

Allegany, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Dela- 
ware, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Liv- 
ingston, Madison, Montgomery, Ontario, Orleans, Otsego, Put- 
nam, Richmond, Eockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, 
Schuyler, Seneca, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Warren, Washing- 
ton, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates Counties are each one district. 
Fulton and Hamilton are united, forming one district. 

Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Dutchess, Jefferson, 
Niagara, Orange, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Suffolk and 
Ulster Counties have each tw^o districts. 

Oneida, Queens, Rensselaer and Westchester Counties have each 

three districts. 
Albany, Monroe and Onondaga Counties have each four districts. 
Erie County has eight districts. 
Kings County has twenty-one districts. 
New Y'ork County has thirty-five districts. 



378 



I^EW YORK STATE 



DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICTS, AND COUNTIES EMBRACED 
IN A GENERAL TERM OF THE SUPREME COURT 

First f 

Department J C^ and County 
^ . . of New York 

1st District 



Second 
Department 

Sd District 



4th District 



Third 
Department 

SdDutrict 



Counties 
Richmond 
Kings 
Queens 
Suffolk 
Westchester 
Putnam 
Dutchess 
Orange 
Rockland 

Counties 
Columbia 
Rensselaer 
Sullivan 
Ulster. 
Albany- 
Greene 
Schoharie 

Counties 
Warren 
Saratoga 
St. Lawrence 
Washington 
Essex 
Franklin 
Clinton 
Montgomery 
Hamilton 
Fulton 
, Schenectady 



Fourth 


Counties 


Department 


Onondaga 




Jefferson 


otJi District 


Oneida 




Oswego 




Herkimer 




, Lewis 




Counties 




Otsego 




Delaware 




Madison 




Chenango 


6th District 


Tompkins 




Broome 




Chemung 




Schuyler 




Tioga 




. Cortland 




Counties 


Fifth 


Livingston 


Department 


Ontario 




Wayne 


7th District ■ 


Yates 




Steuben 




Seneca 




Cayuga 




. Monroe 




Counties 




Erie 




Chautauqua 




Cattaraugus 


8th District 


Orleans 




Niagara 




Genesee 




Allegany 




. Wyoming 



THE COISTSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF 

NEW YOKK 



Adopted ^ov. 3j ISJ^G, as Amended, and in Force Jan. 1, 1895. 

Sections marked thus, f, are the additions to the Constitution of 
1846 which were adopted in 1894. 

We the People of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty 
God for our Freedom, in order to secure its blessings, DO estab- 
lish THIS Constitution. 

ARTICLE I— Certain Personal Rights* 

§ I. Persons not to be disfranchised.— No member of this State 
shall be disfranchised, or deprived of any of the rights or privi- 
leges secured to any citizen thereof, unless by the law of the land, 
or the judgment of his peers. 

§ 2. Trial by jury. — The trial by jury in all cases in which it 
has been heretofore used, shall remain inviolate forever^ but a 
jury trial may be waived by the parties in all civil cases in the 
manner to be prescribed by law. 

§ 3. Religious liberty.— The free exercise and enjoyment of 
religious profession and worship, without discrimination or prefer- 
ence, shall forever be allowed in this State to all mankind ; and no 
person shall be rendered incompetent to be a witness on account 
of his opinions on matters of religious belief; but the liberty of 
conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse 



* The first 8 sections of Art I may be called the " Bill of Rights" of the 
N. Y. Constitution {see page 193, sees. 2 and 3), though § 6 is indicated in 

the text as the Bill of Rights. 

379 



S80 APPENDIX 

Col. William Smith, Col. Abraham De Peyster, Col. Peter 
Schuyler,* March 5, 1701, to May 19, 1701. 
John Nanfan, Lieutenant-Governor, May 19, 1701. 
Lord Cornbury May 3, 1703. 
Lord Lovelace, December 18, 1708. 
Peter Schuyler, President, May 6, 1709. 
Richard Ingoldesby, Lieutenant-Governor, May 9, 1709. 
Peter Schuyler, President, May 25, 1709. 
Richard Ingoldesby, Lieutenant-Governor, June 1, 1709, 
Gerardus Beekman, President, April 10, 1710. 
Robert Hunter, June 14, 1710. 
Peter Schuyler, President, July 21, 1719. 
William Burnet, September 17, 1720. 
John Montgomerie, April 15, 1728. 
Rip Van Dam, President, July 1, 1731. 
William Cosby, August 1, 1732. 
George Clarke, President, March 10, 1736. 
George Clarke, Lieutenant-Governor, October 30, 1736, 
George Clinton, September 2, 1743. 
Sir Danvers Osborne, Bart., October 10, 1753. 
James De Lancey, Lieutenant-Governor, October 12, 1755. 
Sir Charles Hardy, Knt., September 3, 1755. 
James De Lancey, Lieutenant-Governor, June 3, 1757. 
Cadwallader Colden, President, August 4, 1760. 
Cadwallader Colden, Lieutenant-Governor, August 8, 1761. 
Robert Monckton, October 26, 1761. 

Cadwallader Colden, Lieutenant-Governor, November 18, 1761. 
Robert Monckton, June 14, 1762. 

Cadwallader Colden, Lieutenant-Governor, June 28, 1763. 
Sir Henry Moore, Bart., November 13, 1765. 
Cadwallader Colden, Lieutenant-Governor, September 12, 1769. 
Earl of Dunmore, October 19, 1770. 
William Tryon, July 9, 1771. 

Cadwallader Colden, Lieutenant-Governor, April 7, 1774. 
William Tryon, June 28, 1775. 
James Robertson, f March 23, 1780. 
Andrew Elliott, f Lieutenant-Governor, April 17, 1783. 
Peter Van Brugh Livingston, May 23, 1775. 

* The Earl of Bellomont died March 5, 1701. During the absence of 
Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan, and until May 19, 1701, the government 
was administered by the council, at which the oldest councilor presided 
during this period. 

t Military governors during the Revolutionary War not recognized by 
the state of New York. 



COLONIAL AND STATE OFFICERS OF NEW YORK 381 



The Provincial Congress, etc. 

l^athaniel Woodhull, President pro tern., August 28, 1775. 

Abraham Yates, Jr., President pro tern., November 2, 1775. 

Nathaniel Woodhull, December 6, 1775. 

John Harding, President pro tem., December 16, 1775. 

Abraham Yates, Jr., President pro tem., August 10, 1776. 

Abraham Yates, Jr., August 28, 1776. 

Peter R. Livingston, September 26, 1776. 

Abraham Ten Broeck, March 6, 1777. 

Leonard Gansevoort, President pro tem. , April 18, 1777. 

Pierre Van Cortlandt, President Council Safety, May 14, 1777. 




382 



APPENDIX 



Governors of the State 



Names. 



George Clinton * 

John Jay 

George Clinton 

Morgan Lewis 

Daniel D. Tompkins 

John Taylert 

De Witt Clinton 

Joseph C. Yates % 

De Witt Clinton 

Nathaniel Pitcher +. 

Martin Van Buren 

EnosT. Throop§ 

William L. Marcy 

William H. Seward 

William C. Bouck 

Silas Wright 

John Young 

Hamilton Fish 

Washington Hunt 

Horatio Seymour 

Myron H.Clark 

John A, King 

Edwin D. Morgan 

Horatio Seymour 

Reuben E. Fenton 

John T, Hoffman 

John A. Dix 

Samuel J. Tilden 

Lucius Robinson 

Alonzo B. Cornell 

Grover Clevelandll 

David B. Hillt 

Roswell P. Flower 

Levi P. Morton 

Frank S. Black 

Theodore Roosevelt 

Benjamin B. Odell, Jr. . . 



Residences. 



Ulster county 

New York City 

Ulster county 

Dutchess county 

Richmond county 

Albany, Albany county — 

New York City 

Schenectady, Schenectady 

county 

New York City 

Sandy Hill, Washington 

county 

Kinderhook, Columbia 

county . . . 

Auburn, Cayuga county . . .. 

Troy, Rensselaer county 

Auburn, Cayuga county 

Fultonham, Schoharie 

county 

Canton, St. Lawrence 

county 

Geneseo, Livingston 

county 

New York City 

Lockport, Niagara county.. 
Deerfield, Oneida county... 
Canandaigua, Ontario 

county 

Queens county 

New York City 

Deerfield, Oneida county. .. 
Frewsburgh, Chautauqua 

county 

New York City 

New York City 

New York City 

Elmira, Chemung county... 

New York City 

Buffalo, Erie county 

Elmira, Chemung county... 

New York City 

Rhinecliff 

Troy 

Oyster Bay 

Newburg 



Elected. 




July 


9, 


1777 


April, 




1795 






J8()i 


ib 




1804 


(I 




1807 


March, 




1817 
1817 


November 


«, 


1823 


b. 


8, 


18:.'l 


February 


11, 


1828 


November 


5, 


1828 


March 


12, 


18:i9 


November 


7, 


1832 


i. 


', 


1838 



8, 1843 
5, 1844 



ifc 


3, 1846 


a 


7, 1848 


ib 


5, 1850 


ti 


3, 1853 


(i 


7,1854 


i( 


4,1856 


u 


3,1858 


fcb 


4, 1863 


fcb 


8, 1864 


bb 


3, 1868 


it 


5, 1873 


i( 


3, 1874 


fcfc 


7, 1876 


ifc 


4, 1879 


ii 


7, 1883 


January 


6, 1S85 


November 


3, 1891 


bb 


6, 1894 


itk 


3, 1896 


4i 


8, 1898 


ib 


6,1900 



* The Constitution of 1777 did not specify the time when the governor 
should enter on the duties of his office. Governor Clinton was declared 
elected July 9th, and qualified on the above day. On the 13th of February, 
1787, an act'was passed for regulating elections, which provided that the 
governor and lieutenant-governor should enter on the duties of their 
respective offices on the 1st of July after their election. 

+ Lieutenant-governor, acting governor. 

$ The Constitution of 1821 provided that the governor and lieutenant- 
governor shall, on and after the year 1823, enter on the duties of their 
respective offices on the 1st of January. 

§ Lieutenant-governor became governor upon resignation of Martin 
Van Buren, March 13, 1829. Elected November. 1830, for a full term. 

II Elected President of the United States in 1884, and resigned the office 
of governor January 6, 1885. 

1 Lieutenant-governor, became governor upon resignation of Grover 
Cleveland, January 6, 1885. Elected November 6, 1885, for a full tei*m, and 
re-elected November 6, 1888, 



COLONIAL AND STATE OFFICERS OF NEW YOllK 383 



Lieutenant-Governors of the State 



Names. 



Pierre Van Cortlandt — . . 
Stephen Van Rensselaer. . 
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer. 

John Broome 

John Tayler * 

De Witt Clinton t 

John Tayler 

Erastus Root 

James Tallmadge 

Nathaniel Pitcher $ 

Peter R. Livingston 

Charles Daj'an 

Enos T. Throop§ 

Charles Stebbins , 

William M. Oliver 

Edward P. Livingston 

John Tracy 

Luther Bradish 

Daniel S. Dickinson 

Addison Gardiner 

Hamilton Fish II 

George W. Patterson 

Sanford E. Church 

Henry J Raymond 

Henry R. Selden 

Robert Campbell — 

David R. Floyd Jones 

Thomas G. Alvord 

Stewart L. Woodford 

Allen C Beach 

John C. Robinson 

William Dorsheimer 

George G. Hoskins 

David B Hill 

Dennis McCarthy IT 

Edward F. Jones ** 

William F. Sheehan 

Charles T. Saxton 

Timothy L. Woodruff 

Timothy L. Woodruff 

Timothy L. Woodruff. 



Residences. 



Croton Landing.. 

Albany 

Albany 

New York City. . . 

Albany. 

New York City... 

Albany — 

Delhi 

Dutchess county. 

Sandy Hill 

Dutchess county. 

Lowville 

Auburn . . 

Cazenovia 

Penn Yan 

Columbia county 

Oxford 

Malone 

Binghamton 

Rochester 

New York City 

Westfleld 

Albion 

New York City — 

Rochester , 

Bath 

Oyster Bay 

Syracuse 

Brooklyn 

Watertown 

Binghamton 

Buffalo 

Bennington 

Elmira 

Syracuse 

Binghamton 

Buffalo 

Clyde 

Brooklyn 

Brooklyn 

Brooklyn 



Elected. 




1777 




1795 




1801 




1804 


January 


39, 1811 


April, 


1811 




1813 


November, 


18:^2 


li 


1824 


li 


1826 


February 


16, 1838 


October 


7, 1828 


November, 


1828 


March 


13, 1829 


January 


5, 18;iO 


November, 


1830 


hh 


1833 


kfc 


1838 


fci 


1843 


ifc 


1844 


Lb 


1847 


41 


1848 


4fc 


1850 


44 


1854 


44 


1856 


44 


1858 


44 


1862 


44 


1864 


44 


1866 


'* 


1868 


44 


1872 


44 


1874 


44 


1879 


44 


1882 


January 


6, 1885 


November, 


1885 


44 


1891 


44 


1894 


44 


1896 


44 


1898 


44 


1900 



* Broome having died, Tayler was elected president of the senate 
January 39, 1811. 

t Elected under a special act. 

$ Clinton having died February 11, 1838, Pitcher became governor, and 
Livingston and Dayan were successively elected presidents of the senate. 

§ Throop havmg succeeded Van Buren as governor, Stebbins and 
Oliver were successively elected presidents of the senate. 

II Gardiner having been elected judge of the Court of Appeals, Fish was 
elected to fill the vacancy under an act passed in September of that year. 

t Hill having succeeded Cleveland as governor, McCarthy was elected 
president of the senate January 6, 1885. 

** Re-elected November 6, 1838. 



384 



APPENDIX 



Secretaries of State 



Names. 



John Morin Scott 

Lewis Allaire Scott 

Daniel Hale 

Thomas Tillotson 

Elisha Jenkins 

Thomas Tillotson 

Elisha Jenkins 

Daniel Hale 

Elisha Jenkins 

Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer 

Peter B . Porter 

Robert B. Tillotson 

Charles D. Cooper 

John Van Ness Yates 

Azariah C. Flagg 

John A. Dix , 

John C. Spencer 

Samuel Young 

Nathaniel S. Benton 

Christopher Morgan 

Henry S, Randall 

Elias W. Leavenworth, 

Joel T. Headley , 

Gideon J. Tucker 

David R. Floyd Jones 

Horatio Ballard 

Chauncey M. Depew 

Francis C. Barlow 

Homer A. Nelson , 

G. Hilton Scribner 

Diedrich Willers, Jr 

John Bigelow . , 

Allen C. Beach 

Joseph B. Carr 

Frederick Cook 

Frank Rice 

John Palmer 

John Palmer 

John T. McDonough 

John T. McDonough 



Residences. 



New York City. . . 
New York City. . . 

Albany 

Red Hook 

Hudson 

Red Hook 

Hudson 

Albany 

Hudson 

Claverack 

Niagara Falls 

Red Hook 

Albany 

Albany 

Plattsburg 

Cooperstown 

Canandaigua — 

Ballston 

Little Falls 

Auburn 

Cortland Village. 

Syracuse 

New Windsor.. . 
New York City . . 
South Oyster Bay 
Cortland Village. 

Peekskill 

New York City. . . 

Poughkeepsie 

Yonkers 

HighlandFaiis'.! 

Watertown 

Troy 

Rochester 

Canandaigua 

Albany 

Albany 

Albany 

Albany 



Appointed. 



March 

October 

March 

August 

March 

February 



April 



13, 1778 

23, 1789 

24, 1793 
10, 1801 
16, 1806 
16, 1807 

1, 1808 

2, 1810 
1, 1811 

23, 1813 
16, 1815 

12, 1816 
16, 1817 
— , 1818 

13, 1826 
1, 1833 
4,1839 
7,1842 

3, 1845 



Elected. 
November 2. 
4, 
8, 
7, 
3, 
8, 
5, 
3, 
7, 
5, 
7, 
4, 
2, 
6, 
4, 
8, 
5, 
7, 
5, 
8, 
6. 



1847 
1851 

\m^ 

1855 
1857 
1859 
1861 
18&-5 
1865 
1867 
1871 
1873 
1875 
1877 
1879 
18a5 
1889 
1893 
1895 
1898 
1900 



Comptrollers of the State 



Names. 


Residences. 


Appointed. 


Samuel Jones 

John V. Henrv 


Oyster Bay 

Albany 

Hudson 


March 15, 1797 
" 12 1800 


Elisha Jenkins 


August 10, 1801 
March 26, 1806 


Archibald Mclntyre 


Albany 


John Savaere 


Salem .... 


February 12, 182J 

13, 182;? 

January 27, 1829 

" 11, 1834 


William L. Marcy 

Silas Wright, Jr 


Albany 

Canton 


Azariah C. Flaerer 


Albanv 


Bates Cook 


TiP'TO'istOTI 


February 4, 18;i9 
January 27, 1841 
February 7, 1842 


John A. Collier 


Binerbarnton 


Azariah C. Flagg 


Albany 



COLONIAL AND STATE OFFICERS OF NEW YORK 385 




386 



APPENDIX 



Comptrollers of the State (Cont'd) 



Names. 



Millard Fillmore * 

Washington Hunt t — 

Philo C. Fuller $ 

JohnC. Wright 

James M. Cook 

Lorenzo Burrows 

San f ord E. Church 

Robert Denniston 

Lucius Robinson 

Thomas Hillhouse 

William F. Allen 

Asher P. Nichols § 

Nelson K. Hopkins — 

Lucius Robinson 

Frederic P. Olcott II . . . 
James W. Wadsworth 

Ira Davenport 

Alfred C Chapin 

Edward Wemple 1 

Frank Campbell 

James A. Roberts — . 

James A. Roberts 

William J. Morgan. . . . 
Edward C. Knight 



Residences. 



Elected. 



Buffalo 

Lockport — 

Geneseo 

Schenectady 

Ballston 

Albion 

Albion 

Salisbury Mills 

Elmira 

Geneva 

Oswego 

Buffalo ' June 

Buffalo 

Elmira . 

New York City 

Geneseo 

Bath 

Brooklyn 

Fultonville 

Bath 

Buffalo... 

Buffalo 

Buffalo 

Buffalo 



November 
February 
December 
November 



Novenaber 

January 
November 



2, 
17, 
18, 

4, 

IT* 
<, 

y, 

8, 
5, 
7, 
5, 
14, 

T, 

«? 

"I 

1, 
4, 

8, 
6, 
8, 
3, 

7, 



6, 



1847 
1849 
1850 
I&jI 
185; J 
18.55 
1857 
1&59 
1861 
186;} 
1867 
1870 
1871 
1875 
1877 
1879 
1881 
1883 
1887 
1891 
1893 
1895 
1898 
1900 



* Resigned upon being elected Vice-President. 

+ Appointed by legislature ; elected November 5, 1849. 

X Appointed vice Hunt, elected governor. 

§ Appointed vice Allen, and elected November following. 

II Appointed vice Robinson, resigned ; elected November 6, 1877. 

t Re-elected November 5, 1889. 



Treasurers of the State 



Names. 



Peter B. Livingston. 
Gerardus Bancker . . 
Robert McCallen. . . 
Abraham G. Lansing. 



Residences. 



David Thomas Salem . 

Abraham G. Lansing 

David Thomas 

Charles Z. Piatt 

Gerret L. Dox 

Benjamin Knower 

Abraham Keyser, Jr 

Gamaliel H. Barstow 

Abraham Keyser 

Gamaliel H. Barstow 

Jacob Haight 

Thomas Farrington 

Benjamin Enos 

Thomas Farrin gton 



New York City. 
New York City. 

Albany 

Albany 



Albany 

Salem 

Albany 

Albany 

Albany 

Schoharie 
Nichols... 
Schoharie. 

Nichols 

Catskill ... 

Owego 

De Ruyter. 
Owego 



Appointed 




September 17, 


1776 


April 


1, 


1778 


March 


16, 


1798 


February 


8, 


1803 




5, 


1808 




8, 


1810 




18, 


1812 




10, 


1833 




1^, 


1817 


January 


29, 


1821 


November 25, 


1824 


February 


16, 


1825 






14, 


1826 




kb 


5, 


1838 




kfc 


4, 


1839 






7, 


1842 






3, 


1845 






2,1846 



COLONIAL AND STATE OFFICERS OF NEW TORE 387 



Treasurers of the State (Cont'd) 



Names. 



Al vah Hunt 

James M. Cook 

Benjamin Welch, Jr.* . . 
Elbridge G. Spaulding., 

Stephen Clark 

Isaac V. Vanderpool . . . 

Philip Dorsheimer 

William B. Lewis 

George W. Schuyler — 

Josepli Howland 

Wheeler H. Bristol 

Thomas Raines + 

Charles N. Ross 

James Mackin 

Nathan D. Wendell 

Robert A. Maxwell 

Lawrence J. Fitzgerald 

Elliot Danforth 

Addison B. Colvin 

Addison B. Colvin 

John P. Jaeckel 

John P. Jaeckel 



Residences. 



Greene 

Ballston Spa 

Buffalo .. 

Buffalo 

Albany 

Buffalo 

Buffalo 

Brooklyn 

Ithaca 

Matteawan 

Owego 

Rochester 

Auburn 

Fishkill-on-the-Hudson 

Albany 

Batavia 

Cortland Village 

Bainbridge 

Glens Falls 

Glens Falls 

Auburn 

Auburn 



Elected 


November 2, 1847 




4, 1851 




20, 1852 




8,1853 




7, ia55 




3, 1857 




8, 1859 




6, 1861 




3, ^mi 




7, 1865 




5, 186.' 




7, 1871 




2, 1875 




6, 1877 




6, 1879 




8, 1881 




3, 1885 




5, 1889 




7, 1893 




5, 1895 




8, 1898 




6, 1900 



* Election contested ; succeeded Cook on above date. 

+ Re-elected in 1873. Abraham Lansing, of Albany, was appointed Act- 
ing State Treasurer June 1, 1874, Raines having been suspended on account 
of illness. Lansing served until September 15, 1874. 



Attorneys-General of the State 



Names. 



Egbert Benson . 

Richard Varick 

Aaron Burr 

Morgan Lewis 

Nathaniel Lawrence — 
Josiah Ogden Hoffman. 

Ambrose Spencer 

John W^ood worth 

Matthias B. Hildreth. .. 
Abraham Van Vechten. 
Matthias B. Hildreth. . . 
Thomas Addis Emmett. 
Abraham Van Vechten 

Martin Van Biiren 

Thomas J. Oakley 

Samuel A. Talcott 

Greene C. Bronson 

Samuel Beardsley 

Willis Hall 

George P. Barker 

John Van Buren 

Ambrose L. Jordan 

Levis. Chatfleld 

Gardner Stow 

Ogden Hoffma,n 

Stephen B. Gushing 



Residences. 



Jamaica 

New York City 
New York City 

Rhinebeck 

Hempstead 

New York City 

Hudson 

Albany 

Johnstown. . . . 

Albany 

Johnstown 

New York City. 

Albany. 

Kinderhook . . . . 
Poughkeepsie. . 

Utica 

Utica 

Utica 

New York City 

Buffalo 

Albany 

Hudson 

Laurens 

Troy 

New York City. 
Ithaca... 



Appoin 


ted. 


May 


8, 1777 


hk 


14, 1788 


September 29, 1789 


November 


8, 1791 


December 


24, 1793 


November 


13, 1795 


February 


3, 1802 


bi 


3, 1804 


March 


18, 1808 


February 


2, 1810 


fa b 


1, 1811 


August 


12, 1812 


February 


13, 1813 


kfa 


17, 1815 


July 


8, 1819 


February 


12, 1821 




27, 1829 


January 


12, 1836 


February 


4,1839 


bb 


7, 1842 


fab 


3, 1845 


Elected. 


November 


2, 1847 


bb 


6, 1849 


December 


8, ias3 


November 


8, 18.53 


ik 


7, 1855 



888 



APPENDIX 



Attorneys-General of the State (Cont'd) 



Names. 



Lyman Tremain 

Charles G. Myers 

Daniel S. Dickinson 

John Cochrane 

John H. Martindale 

Marshall B. Champlain — 

Francis C. Barlow 

Daniel Pratt 

Charles S. Fairchild 

Augustus Schoonmaker, Jr 

Hamilton Ward 

Leslie W. Russell 

Denis O'Brien 

Charles F. Tabor* 

Simon W. Rosendale 

Theodore E. Hancock 

Theodore E. Hancock 

John C Davies 

John C. Davies 



Residences. 



Albany 

Ogdensburg — 
Binghamton.... 
New York City 

Rochester 

Cuba 

New York City 

Syracuse 

Albany 

Kingston 

Belmont 

Canton , 

Watertown 

BuflEalo 

Albany 

Syracuse 

Syracuse 

Camden 

Camden 



Elected. 



November, 



1857 
1859 
1861 
1863 
1865 
1867 
1871 
1873 
1875 
1877 
1879 
188] 
1883 
1887 
1891 
18^3 
1895 
1898 
1900 



* Re-elected November 5, 1889. 

Surveyors-General 



Names. 


Residences. 


Appointed. 


Philir) Schuvler 


Albany 

Albany 


March 30, 1781 


CiTvi£>r>n Tlo "Wlt<" 


May 13, 1784 


Simeon De Witt 

William Campbell 

Or-TTillti T, TTnllpv 


Albany 

Cherrv Vallev 


February 8, 1823 
January 20, 1835 


Albany 


February 5, 1838 


"NTq* ViftT»ipl .Tonps 


Newburg 

Bridgehampton 


7, 1842 


Hugh Halsey 


" 3, 1845 



State Engineers and Surveyors 



Names. 



Charles B. Stuart 

Hezekiah C. Seymour 

William J. Mc Alpine * 

Henrv Ramsey t 

John T. Clark 

Silas Seymour . . - . 

Van Rensselaer Richmond. . . 

William B. Taylor 

J. Piatt Goodsell 

Van Rensselaer Richmond... 

William B. Taylor 

Sylvanus H. Sweet 

John D. Van Buren, Jr 

Horatio Seymour, Jr 

Silas Seymour 

Elnathan Sweet 

John Bogart t 

Martin Schenck 

Campbell W. Adams 

Campbell AV. Adams 

Eward A. Bond 

Eward A. Bond. 



Residence. 



Geneva. . 

Ny ack 

Albany 

Schenectady 

iltica 

Piermont ■ 

Lyons ■ 

Utica 

Utica 

Lyons 

LTtica ■ 

Albany 

New York City. . . 

Utica 

Saratoga Springs. 

Albany 

New York City.... 

Greenbush 

Utica 

Utica 

Watertown 

Watertown 



Elected. 



December 
November 



November 2, 1847 
6, 1849 

4, 1851 
10, ia53 

8, 1853 
7, 1855 
3,1857 
5,1861 
7,1865 
5, 1867 

7, 1871 
4, 1873 
2, 1875 
6, 1877 

8, 1881 
6,1883 
8, 1887 
8, 1891 
7,1893 

5, 1895 
8, 1898 
6,1900 



* Resigned August 1, 1853. t Appointed. % Re-elected November 5, 1889, 



COLONIAL AND STATE OFFICERS OF NEW TORE 389 



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W 

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CV § _|| N> £f S\ 

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1~ ■ J"! 1, . -**-_. S I 



390 



APPENDIX 



United States Senators from New York 



Senators. 


Residence. 


When elected. 


In whose place. 


Philip Schuyler * 


Albany 


July 


le, 1789 




Ruf us KinsT + 


New York Citv. 


July 
Jan. 
Jan. 
Nov. 


16, 1789 




Aaron Burr 


New York City. 
New York City. 
Queens county. 


19, 1791 

27, 1795 

9, 1796 


Schuyler. 


Ruf us King $ 


Re-elected. 


J'lhn Lawrence $ 


King. 


Philip Schuyler % 

John Sloss Hobart $ 


A Ihan V 


Jan. 


24, 1797 


Burr. 


Huntington 


Jan. 


11, 1798 


Schuyler. 


William North* 


Duanesburgh . 


May, 


1798 


Hobart. 


James Watson $ . . . 


New York City. 


Aug. 


17, 1798 


North. 


Gouverneur Morris 


Morrisania 


April 


3,1800 


Watson. 


John Armstrong 


Rhinebeck 

Rhinebeck 


Nov. 
Jan. 


6,1800 
27, 1801 


Lawrence. 


John Armstrong t 




De Witt Clinton t 


Newtown 


Feb. 


9, 1802 


Armstrong. 


Theodorus Bailey % 


Poughkeepsie.. 


Feb. 


1, 1803 


Morris. 


John Armstrong 


Rhinebeck 


Dec, 


1803 


Clinton. 


John Smith 


Brookhaven. . . . 


Feb. 


4. 1804 


Armstrong. 
Bailey. 


John Armstrong $. 


Rhinebeck 


Feb. 


4, 1804 


Samuel L. Mitchill 


New York Citv. 


Nov. 


9,1804 


Armstrong. 


John Smith 


Brookhaven — 


Feb. 


3,1807 


Reelected. 


Obadiah German 


Norwich 


Feb. 


7,1809 


Mitchill. 


Rufus King $ 


Jamaica 


Feb. 


2, 1813 


Smith. 


Nathan Sanford 


New York City. 


Feb. 


7, 1815 


German. 


Rufus King $ 


Jamaica 


Jan. 


8, 1820 


Re-elected. 


]Nrartin Van Buren 


Kinderhook 


Feb. 


6, 1821 


Sanford. 


Nathan Sanford 


New York City. 


Jan. 


14, 1826 


King. 


Martin Van Buren $ 


Kinderhook — 


Feb. 


6, 1827 


Re-elected. 


Charles E. Dudley 

William L. Marcy $ 


Albanv 


Jan. 


15, 1829 


Van Buren. 


Albany 


Feb. 


1, 18:31 


Sanford. 


Silas Wright, Jr 


Canton 


Jan. 


4,1833 


Marcy. 


Nathaniel P. Tallmadge 


Poughkeepsie . . 


Feb. 


5,1833 


Dudley. 


Silas Wright, Jr 


Canton 


Feb. 


7,1837 


Re-elected. 


Nathaniel P.Tallmadge* 


Poughkeepsie. . 


Jan. 


14, 1840 


Re-elected. 


Silas Wright, Jr.* 


Canton 


Feb. 


7,1843 


Re-elected. 


Henry A. Foster 


Rome 


Nov. 


30, 1844 


Wright. 


Daniel S. Dickinson 


Binghamton . .. 


Nov. 


30, 1844 


Tallmadge. 


Daniel S. Dickinson 


Binghamton . . . 


Jan. 


18, 1845 


To fill vacancy. 


John A. Dix 


Albany 


Jan. 


18, 1845 


Foster. 


Daniel S. Dickinson 


Binghamton . . . 


Feb. 


4,1845 


Re-elected. 


W^illiam H. Seward 


Auburn 


Feb. 6, 1849 
March 19, 1851 


Dix. 


Hamilton Fish 


New York City. 


Dickinson. 


William H. Seward 


Auburn 


Feb. 


6, 1855 


Re-elected. 


Preston King 


Ogdensburg 


Feb. 


3, 1857 


Fish. 


Ira Harris 


Albanv 

New York City. 


Feb. 
Feb. 


5,1861 
3,1863 


Seward. 


Edwin D. Morgan 


King. 


Roscoe Conklingr 


Utica 


Jan. 
Jan. 


16, 1867 
20, 1869 


Harris. 


Reuben E. Fen ton 


Jamestown 


Morgan. 


Roseoe Conkling 


Utica 

Utica 


Jan. 
Jan. 


22, 1873 
21, 1875 


Re-elected. 


Francis Kernan 


Fenton. 


Roseoe Conkling X 


Utica 


Jan. 


22, 1879 


Re-elected. 


Thomas C. Piatt* 


Owego . . 


Jan. 


20, 1881 


Kernan. 


Warner Miller 


Herkimer 

Canandaigua. . . 


July 
July 


16, 1881 
22, 1881 


Piatt. ^ 


Elbridge G. Lapham ... 


Conkling. 


William M. Evarts . . . 


New York City. 


Jan. 


20, 1885 


Lapham. 


Frank Hiscock 


Svracuse 


Jan. 


20, 1887 


Miller. 


David B. Hill 


Elmira 


Jan. 
Jan. 


21, 1891 
17, 1892 


Evarts. 


Edward Murphy, Jr 


Troy . . 


Hiscock. 


Thomas C. Piatt 


Owego 


Jan. 
Jan. 


20, 1897 
20,1899 


Hill. 


Chauncey M. Depew 


Poughkeepsie . . 


Murphy. 



* Two years. 



t Six years. 



$ Resigned. 



COLONIAL AND STATE OFFICERS OF NEW YORK 39l 



Regents 



Names. 



Martin I. Townsend 

Anson J. Upson, Chancellor 

Chauncey M. Depew 

Charles E. Fitch 

Whitelaw Keid 

Williani H. Watson 

Henry E. Turner 

St. C lair McKelway . 

Daniel Beach 

Carroll E Smith 

Piiny T. Sexton 

T. Guilford Smith 

William Croswell Doane, Vice- 

Chancellor 

Lewis A. Stimson 

Albert Yander Veer 

Chester S. Lord 

Thomas A. Hendrick 

Robert C. Pruyn 

William Nottingham 



Date of 
Appointment. 



1873, 
1874, 
1877, 
1877, 
1878, 
1881, 
1881, 
1883, 
188.\ 
1888, 
1890, 



April 24 

February 11 
January 31 
January 31 
Janxiary 17 
February 2 
February 2 
January 10 
March 18 
January 
April 
April 



24 
15 

15 



1892, February 10 

1893, April 10 
1895, February 13 
1897, January 20 

1900, April 3 

1901, February 3 

1902, February 27 



Residences. 



Troy. 

Glens Falls. 

New York City. 

Rochester. 

New York City. 

Utica. 

Lowville. 

Brooklyn. 

Watkins. 

Syracuse. 

Palmyra. 

Buffalo. 

Albany. 

New York. 

Albany. 

Brooklyn. 

Rochester. 

Albany. 

Syracuse. 



Population of New York: 1790 to 1900 



Census Year. 


Population. 


Increase. 


Number. 


Per Cent. 


1900 


7,268,012 

5,997,853 

5,082,871 

4,382.759 

3,880,735 

3,097,394 

2,428,921 

1,918,608 

1,372,111 

959,049 

589,051 

340,120 


1,270,159 
914,982 
700,112 
502,024 
783,341 
668,473 
510,313 
546,497 
413,062 
369,998 
248,931 


21.2 


1890 


18.0 


1880 

1870 


16.0 
12.9 


I860 


25.3 


1850 

1840 


27.5 

26.6 


1830 

1820 


39.8 
43.1 


1810 

1800 

1790 


62.8 
73.2 









I 



Notes. — 1. The popiilation has had a greater numerical increase since 
1890 than during any former decade. 

2. The population at present is 21 times as large as in 1790. 

3. The number of persons to the square mile is 152.6. 

4. Of the population in 1900 there were 3,614,780 males, 3,654,114 females, 
5,368,469 native-born, 1,900,425 foreign-born, 99,2132 negroes, 7,170 Chinese, 
5,257 Indians, and 354 Japanese. New York county had the most foreign- 
born (850,984) and Hamilton county the fewest (462). 

5. The people in cities of 8,000 or more were 3,-599,877 or %0% in 1890 and 
4,980,042 or 68^^ in 1900. The number in cities of 4,000 or more was 3,805,477 
or 63^ in 1890 and 5,176,414 or 71/^ in 1900. The increase in urban population 
during that decade is 'M%- 

6. The children of school age number 2, 146,764, of whom 257,721 are foreign- 
born. 

7. The voters in the State number 2,184,965, of whom 838,136 are foreign- 
born. In New York City alone there are 1,007,670 voters. 

8. The illiterates in the State number over 130,000, of whom .50,601 are 
aliens, 38,235 are naturalized, 27,515 are natives, and about 14,000 are un- 
classified. New York Citv has the most illiterates (6.5,556), then come 
Buffalo (5,168), Rochester (1,327), Syracuse (1,071), Troy (895), and Albany 
(762). 



392 



APPENDIX 




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COLONIAL AND STATE OFFICERS OF NEW YORK 393 



Population of New York by Counties: 1790 to 1900 



Counties. 



The State. 

Albany 

Allegany 

Broome 

Cattaraugus . 

Cayuga 

Chautauqua. 
Chemung.. . 

Chenango 

Clinton 

Columbia 

Cortland 

Delaware 

Dutchess 

Erie 

Essex 

Franklin 

Fulton 

Genesee 

Greene 

Hamilton 

Herkimer 

Jefferson 

Kings 

Lewis 

Livingston... 
Madison .. .. 

Monroe 

Montgomery., 

Nassau * 

New York t. . 

Niagara 

Oneida 

Onondaga . . . . 

Ontario 

Orange 

Orleans 

Oswego 

Otsego 

Putnam — . . 

Queens* 

Rensselaer. .. 

Richmond 

Rockland 

St. Lawi-ence. 

Saratoga 

Schenectady. . 

Schoharie 

Schuyler 

Seneca 

Steuben 

Suffolk 

Sullivan 

Tioga — 

Tompkins. . 

Ulster 

Warren 

Washington.. 

Wayne 

Westchester t 

Wyoming 

Yates 



1900 


1890 


1S60 


1830 


1790 


7,268,012 


5,997,853 
164,555 


3,880,7a5 


1,918,608 


340,120 


1&5,571 


113,917 


53,520 


75,736 


41,501 


43,240 


41,881 


26,276 




69,149 


62,973 


a5,906 


17,579 




&5,643 


60,866 


43,886 


16,724 




66,234 


&),302 


55,767 


47,948 




88,314 


75,202 


58,422 


34,671 




44,063 


48,265 


26,917 






36,568 


37,776 


40,934 


37,238 




47,230 


46,437 


45,735 


19,344 


1,614 


4;3,511 


46,172 


47,172 


39,907 


27,732 


27,576 


28,&57 


26,294 


23,791 




46,413 


45,496 


42,465 


33,024 




81,670 


77,879 


64,941 


50,926 


45,266 


43:3,686 


322,981 


141,971 


35,719 




30,707 


33,052 


28,214 


19,287 




42,853 


38,110 


30,837 


11,312 




42,842 


37,&50 


24,162 






34,561 


33,265 


32,189 


52,147 




31,478 


31,598 


31,930 


29,525 




4,947 


4.762 


3,024 


1,325 




51,049 


45,608 


40,561 


a5,870 




76,748 


68,806 


69,825 


48,493 




1,166,582 


838,547 


279,122 


20,535 


4,495 


27,427 


29,806 


28,580 


15,289 




37,059 


37,801 


39,546 


27,729 




40,.545 


42,892 


43,.545 


39,o;38 




217,a54 


189,586 


100,648 


49,855 




47,488 

55,448 

2,a50,600 


45,699 


30,866 


43,715 


28,848 


1,515,301 


813,669 


202,589 


33,131 


74,961 


62,491 


50,399 


18,482 




132,800 


122,922 


105,202 


71,326 




168,735 


146,247 


90,686 


58,973 




49,605 


48,453 


44,563 


40,288 


1,075 


103,&59 


97,8.59 


63,812 


45,366 


18,492 


80,164 


30,8a3 


28,717 


17,732 




70,881 


71,883 


75,958 


27,119 




48,939 


50,861 


50,1.57 


51,372 




18,787 


14,849 


14,002 


12,628 




152,999 


128,059 


57,391 


22,460 


16,014 


121,697 


124,.511 


86,328 


49,424 




67,021 


51,693 


25,492 


7,082 


3.835 


38,298 


a5,162 


22,492 


9,888 




89,083 


85,048 


83,689 


36,854 




61,089 


57,663 


51,729 


38,679 




46,&52 


29,797 


20,002 


12,347 




26,854 


29,164 


44,469 


27,902 




15,811 


16,711 


18,840 






28,114 


28,227 


28,138 


21,041 




82,822 


81,473 


66,690 


33,851 




77,582 


62,491 


48,275 


26,780 


16,440 


32,306 


31,031 


32,385 


12,361 




27,951 


29,935 


28,748 


27,690 




33,a30 


32,923 


31,409 


86,.545 




88,422 


87,062 


76,381 


36,.550 


29,397 


29,943 


27,866 


21,434 


11,796 




45,624 


45,690 


45,904 


42,635 


14,042 


48,660 


49,729 


47,762 


33,643 




183,375 


146,772 


99,497 


36,4.56 


24,003 


30,413 


31,193 


31,968 






20,318 


21,001 


20,290 


19,009 





* Nassau organized from part of Queens in 1899. 

t Part of Westchester annexed to New York since 1890. 



394 



APPENDIX 



Population of the Principal Cities of New York: 1790 to 1900 



Cities. 



Albany 

Auburn 

Binghamton. 

Buffalo 

Elmira 

New York . . . 
Rochester — 
Schenectady. 

Syracuse 

Troy 

Utica 

Yonkers 



1900 



94,151 
30,345 
39,647 

352,387 

35,672 

J, 437,202 

162,608 
31,682 

108,374 
60,651 
56,383 
47,931 



1890 



94,923 

25,858 
,35,005 

255,664 

30,893 

1,515,301 

i;«,896 
19,902 
88,143 
60,956 
44,007 
32,033 



1880 

90,758 
21,924 
17,317 
15.5,134 
20,541 
1,206,299 
89,366 
13,6.5.5 
51,792 
56,747 
33,914 
18,892 



1870 



69,422 
17,225 
12,692 

117,714 
1.5,863 

942,292 
62,386 
11,026 
43,051 
46,465 
28,804 
12,733 



1860 



62,367 
10,986 

8,325 
81,129 

8,682 

813,669 

48,204 

9,.579 
28,119 
39,235 
22,.529 
11,848 



1850 



50,763 
9,548 



42,261 

8,166 

515,.547 

36,403 

8,921 

22,271 

28,785 

17,.565 

4,160 





1840 


1830 


1820 


1810 


1800 


1790 


Albany 


33,721 
5,626 

"'18,213' 
4,791 

312,710 

20,191 

6,784 


24,209 
4,486 

"■■8,'668' 

2,892 

202,589 

9,207 

4,268 


12,630 


10,762 


5,349 


,3,448 


Auburn 

Binghamton 

Buffalo 




""2,'d9.5' 

2,945 

123,706 

2,063 

3,939 














T7!lmiTa 




New York 


96,373 


60,515 


a3,i3i 


Schenectady 

Svracnsp. 




5,289 


756 


Trov . . 


19,3,34 

12,782 
2,968 


11,.5.56 
8,323 


.5,264 
2,972 


3,895 


4,926 




Utica 























Immigration 
Numbers ani> Nationalities During 22 Years Ending June 30, 1890 



Countries. 



and 



Europe : 
Austria-Hungary . . . 
Denmark, Norway, 

Sweden 

France 

Germany 

Great Britain and Ireland: 

England 

Scotland 

Ireland 

Italy 

Netherlands and Belgium. 

Russia and Poland 

Spain and Portugal 

Switzerland 

Other Europe 



Total Europe. 



North and South America. . 
Asia 

Africa 

Islands of the Atlantic 

Islands of the Pacific 

All other islands and ports. 

Total 



Males. 



Number, 



280,554 

603,297 

84,059 

1,407,895 



786,922 

1.58,,319 

612,ft53 

288,910 

63,443 

207,420 

13,434 

75,238 

7,481 



4.-589,625 



.540,180 

213,880 

558 

17,600 

17,929 

1,764 



5,381.536 



Per cent 
of total. 



64.8 

61.8 
63.9 
6.5.2 

61.2 
61.4 
51.5 
78.6 
61.7 
&5.0 
72.6 
64.3 
75.0 



Females. 



Number. 



60.2 



60.3 
96.8 
72.5 
65.9 
76.3 
61.0 



61.2 



152,058 

370,896 

47,499 

1,012,524 

498,888 

99,386 

577,482 

78,,538 

39,321 

111,-580 

5,121 

41,768 

2,547 



3,a37,608 



356,488 
7,097 
211 
9,129 
5,.595 
1,111 



3,417,238 



Per cent 
of total. 



35.2 

38.2 
36.1 
41.8 

38.8 
38.6 
48.5 
21.4 
38.3 
a5.0 
27.4 
35.7 
25.0 



39. 



39 
3 
27 
34 
23 
39.0 



38.8 



Total. 



432,612 

974,193 

131,5,58 

2,420,419 

l,2a5,810 

2.57,705 

l,190,ia5 

367.448 

102,764 

319,000 

18,,555 

117,006 

10,028 



7,627,233 



896,668 

220,977 

769 

26,729 

23,524 

2,875 



8,798,775 



SALARIES 395 



SALARIES. 



Governor $10,000 

Lieutenant-Governor 5,000 

Secretary of State 5,000 

Comptroller 6,000 

Treasurer 5,000 

Attorney-General 5,000 

Engineer and Surveyor 5,000 

Superintendent of Insurance 7,000 

Superintendent of Banking 7,000 

Eailroad Commissioners (three) each 8,000 

Superintendent of Public Works 6,000 

" " Public Buildings 5,000 

" " State Land Survey 5,000 

" " State Prisons 6,000 

" " Elections 5,000 

" " Public Instruction 5,000 

Secretary, Regents of U. S. N. Y 5,000 

Excise Commissioner 5,000 

Water " .../ 4,000 

Capitol " 7,500 

President, Eorest, Fish and Game Commission. 5,000 

President, Commission in Lunacy 7,500 

Civil Service Commission: 

Three commissioners each 2,600 

Secretary 3,000 

Chief Examiner 3,600 

Board of Mediation and Arbitration (three 

commissioners) each 3,000 

Board of Tax Commissioners (three) .... " 2,500 

Statutory revision (three commissioners). " 3,000 



S96 JyBW YORK STATE 

Inspector of gas meters 5,000 

Superintendent of weights and measures 300 

State historian 4,500 

Director Agricultural Experiment Station, 

Geneva 4,000 

Health officer, Port of Is^ew York 12,500 

Quarantine commissioners (three) each 2,500 

Judges, Court of Claims (three) " 5,000 

Court of Appeals, Chief Judge 12,500 

" '' " Associate Judges 12,000 

State Eeporter 5,000 

Supreme Court, Appellate Division: 

First department, 7 justices each 17,500 

Second " 5 '^ " 8,500 

Third '' 5 " '' 7,200 

Fourth '' 5 " " 7,200 

Supreme Court: 

First district, 19 justices each 17,500 

^^^^^^ 14 - " 10,950 

Third " 5 '' '' 7,200 

Fourth " 3 " " 7,200 

Fifth " 4 '' " 7,200 

Sixth " 4 '' " 7,200 

Seventh " 5 " " 7,200 

Eighth " 7 '' " 7,200 



INDEX 



Abercrombie, 57. 

Abolitionists, 158, 178, 179, 180, 212, 
217, 218, 220, 226, 234, 242. 

Adelphi College, 313. 

Adventists, second, 170. 

Agriculture, 7, 11, 13, 25, 150, 151, 198, 
274, 282, 302, 303, 308, 315. 

Albany, 6, 10; county created, 37; 
city charter, 39; rule of Leisler, 41; 
Dutch Reformed Church, 44, 51; 
Colonial Congress, 53; delegates to 
Continental Congress, 77, 78, 89, 91, 
92; at close of Revolution, 100, 102, 
105, 106, 110; stage. 111; mail. 111, 
112, 113; steamboats, 126, 127; Erie 
canal, 133; constitutional conven- 
tion, 136, 141; road convention, 142; 
canal, 144, 146; agricultural conven- 
tion, ]50, 151, 152; tariff, 160; 
visitors, 161-163, 171; land riot, 183- 
186; constitutional convention, 1S7; 
railroad, 190, 191, 196; travel, 203; 
cholera, 204; temperance, 214; in- 
dustry, 238; normal school, 240, 250; 
Capitol, 254, 255; Bicentennial, 268- 
270, 276, 298, 299, 300. 

Albany Regency, 134, 140, 142, 156, 
159, 172, 175, 250. 

Aldermen, 21. 

Alexander, James, 49. 

Algonquins, 6, 11, 18, 19. 

Allegany county, 107. 

Allen, Colonel Ethan, 78, 80, 81, 104, 
105. 

Alsop, John, 77. 

American defeat at Brooklyn, 84; 
prisoners badly treated, 86; " fleet 
prison," 87; Saratoga, 92; Stonv 
Point, 96; in New Yorlc, 114; 
Lundy's Lane, 132; commerce, 128; 
Patriot War, 176; first poet, 201; 
first author, 201, 202; 215, 250, 270, 
273, 292, 298, 321, 324. 

Amersfoort, 21. 

Amherst, General, 58. 

Amsterdam, 4, 51. 

Andre, Major, 96, 97, 259. 

Andros, Major Edmund, 35, 36, 

Andrustown, 94, 



Anti-federalists, 101, 102, 104, 115, 201. 

Anti-masons, 157, 161, 167, 168, 172. 

Anti-renters, 180, 181, 182, 184, 185, 
186, 187, 189. 

Anti-trust law, 293, 303, 304. 

Arbor Day, 312. 

Arnold, Benedict, 79, 81, 80, 90, 93, 
96, 97. 

Arthur, Chester A., 260, 261. 264, 267. 

Assembly, first general, 36; Ciiarter of 
Liberties, 37, 39; demands self- taxa- 
tion, 45, 46; refuses revenue, 50; 
term limited to seven years, 51 ; 
denounces involuntary taxes, 71; 
Stamp Act, 71 ; statue to Pitt and 
Ceorge III., 73; refuses to supply 
Britisli troops, 73; suspended, 74; 
Tories control, 76; Whigs and 
Tories, 77; last session, 77; Provin- 
cial Congress, 78; of new state, 88; 
Anti-federalists control, 104; Whig, 
175; Anti-renters in, 185; 265, 285, 
291. 

Astor, Colonel John Jacob, 232. 

Astor, John Jacob, 159. 

Auburn. 107, 151, 158, 196, 197, 204, 
216, 236, 250, 297. 

Aurora, 106, 259. 

Banks, 172, 173, 174, 175, 218, 232, 236, 
242, 269, 271, 277, 282, 288, 309, 310. 

Baptists, 113, 204, 242, 318. 

Barlow, General, 230. 

Barnard College, 313. 

Barnburners, ISO, 189, 211. 

Barstow, 173. 

Batavia, 107, 111, 151, 167, 182, 183, 
285. 

Bath, 106, 107. 

Baume, Colonel, 91, 92. 

Beocher, H. W., 214. 

Bell, John, 221. 

Bellomnnt, Earl of, 44, 45. 

Bemis Heights, battle of, 92, 93, 259. 

Bennett, James Gordon, 157. 

Bennington, battle of, 91. 

Benson, Egbert, 104. 

Binghamton, 106, 236, 298, 305. 

Birge, General John W., 177. 

897 



398 



INDEX 



Birney, James G., 180, 218. 

Black, Frank S., 281, 282-287, 290. 

Black Rock, 127, 132. 

Bleecker, Mrs. Ann Eliza, 63. 

Block, Adriaen, U, 10, 11. 

Bloomfield, 113. 

Boerum, Samuel, 77. 

Bogardus, Everardus, 20, 24, 25. 

Booth, Mary L., 316. 

Borroughs, John, 316. 

Bouck, William C, 178, 187. 

Bovesen, H. H., 316. 

Bradford, William, 43, 44, 48. 

Bradish, 178. 

Bradlev, Robert, 189. 

Bradstreet, Colonel William, 57, 58. 

Brant, Joseph, 54, 79, 80, 90, 93, 94. 

Breyman, Colonel, 91. 

British ministers hanged in cfRgy, 73; 
statue of Pitt torn down, 73; prod- 
ucts boycotted, 76, 79; guns cap- 
tured, 80; fleet, 81; Hickey plot, 82; 
New York Citv, 84; southern New 
York taken, 86" 87, 88; at Peekskill, 
91, 93; Indians and, 93; Stonv Point, 
96, 97; evacuate New York, 99; 
American sailors taken, 128, 129, 
130, 132; Lundy's Lane, 132; Buffalo 
burned by, 152; rule in Canada, 176; 
territory invaded, 177. 

Brock, General, 129. 

Brodhead, John R., 310. 

Bronx Borough, 284, 285. 

Broome countv, 301. 

Brooklyn, 13,' 14, 21, 25, 84, 87, 193, 
196, 197, 223, 233, 235, 237, 276, 281, 
283, 298, 315, 318. 

Brooklvn Borough, 284, 285. 

Brooklyn Bridge, 263, 264, 275, 289. 

Brooks, Erastus, 219. 

Brooks, James, 231. 

Brown, Charles Brockden, 201. 

Brown, General Jacob, 128, 130, 132. 

Brown, John, 88, 212, 220. 

Brown, John, Tract. 220. 

Bryant, William Cullen, 202, 230. 

Bucktails, 135, 159. 

Buel, 17.3. 

Buffalo, 6, 107, 111, 112, 114, 127, 128, 
132, 133, 144, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, 
160, 161, 162, 172, 179, 190, 191, 193, 
196, 203, 204, 211, 223, 235, 236, 262, 
272, 276, 280, 295, 296, 297, 298, 307, 
308, 315, 318. 

Bunner, Henry Cuyler, .316. 

Burgovne's campaign, 88, 89, 90, 91, 
93, 259. 

Burnet, William, 47, 48. 

Burr, Aaron, 81, 104, 117, 118, 156, 206. 

Butler, Benjamin F., 139, 180, 211, 
250, 262. 

Butler, John, 79, 90, 94. 

Butler, Walter, 79, 93. 

Butler, William Allen, 202. 

Butterfield, General Daniel, 230. 

Cabot, Sebastian, 1, 22. 

Canals, 113, 124, 125, 128, 133, 143-148; 



152, 160, 172, 188, 189, 190, 191, 193, 

194, 195, 203, 207, 219, 235, 236, 237, 

242, 245, 251, 269, 270, 272, 278, 282, 

290, 292, 299, 307, 308, 310. 
Canandaigua, 106, 110, 111, 114, 125, 

151, 167. 
Canton, 297. 

Gary, Alice and Phoebe, 315. 
Carleton, Sir Guy, 99. 
Carnegie, Andrew, 314. 
Cartier, Jacques, 62. 
Carver, Captain Joseph, 124. 
Cavuga, 114. 

County, 105, 107, 301. 
Cayuga s, 6, 47. 
Cazenovia, 177. 
Chambers, John, 53. 
Champlain canal, 144, 290. 

Samuel de, 5, 62. 
Charitable institutions, 154, 158, 176, 

204, 242, 243, 244, 266, 274, 278, 319, 

320. 
Charlotte countv, 105. 
Charter of Liberties, 37, 38, 137. 

Greater New York, 283, 284, 285, 
293, 312. 
Chauncey, Captain Isaac, 129, 130. 
Chautauqua county, 112, 182, 183. 
Chenango countv, 105, 110. 
Cherrv Vallev, 94, 216, 259. 
Chief Justice, 71, 83, 88, 103. 
Chippewa, 132. 
Cnoate, Joseph H., 272, 293. 
Christiansen, Ilendrick, 9, 10. 
Churches, 24, 25, 35, 60, 64, 81, 112, 

113, 148, 154, 158, 168, 197, 224, 242, 

259, 275, 2S5, 317, 318, 322. 
Cities, 148, 151, 152, 186, 193, 196, 235, 

210, 251, 270, 271, 272, 275, 276, 283, 

285, 287, 289, 297, 298, 299, 300, 302, 

307, ,310, 318, 319. 
Clark, M\Ton H., 215, 216, 250. 
Clarke, George, 49, 50. 

McDoniild, 182. 
Clayton, 177. 
Claus, Daniel, 79. 
Cleveland, Grover, 261, 262, 263, 265, 

267, 268, 275, 276, 280, 287, 291, 322. 
Clinton, 106; prison at, 204. 

County, 105, 107. 
Clinton, Admiral George, 50, 51, 52. 
Clinton, De Witt, 1.33, 134, 135, 136, 

139, 141, 142, 143, 151, 156, 158, 159, 

160, 167, 168, 240, 245, 253, 265, 321. 
Clinton, George, 78, 88, 92, 99, 101, 

102, 108, 115, 116, 124, 134, 155, 156, 

265, 321. 
Clinton, James, 92, 95. 
Clinton, Sir Henry, 50, 81, 91, 92, 95, 

96 99. 
Clin'tonians, 135, 140, 141, 156, 161, 

172. 
Cobleskill, 94. 

Cochrane, General John, 230, 231. 
Cohoes, 300. 
Colden, Cadwallader, 52, 63, 71, 72, 

74, 124, 321. 
Colgate University, 313. 



INDEX 



(399 



College of the City of New York, 

154, 313. 
Colleges, 154, 158, 199, 231, 240, 275, 

288, 311, 313, 320. 
Colles, Christopher, 124. 
Collcv, John G., 178. 
Columbia College, 62, 70, 86, 117, 154, 
155. 

County, 105, 117, 155, 170, 182, 

184. 
University, 294, 313. 
Columbus, 273, 274, 275, 276. 
Colve, Captain Anthony, 35. 
Commerce, 35, 145, 146, 152, 175, 203, 
235, 239, 274, 285, 299, 308, 309, 310, 
323. 
Committee of Correspondence, 72, 76. 
Committee of Fifty-One, 76, 77. 
Committee of Observation, 78. 
Committee of Safety, 83. 
Committee of Seventy, 247, 248, 279, 

280. 
Confederation, Articles of, 98, 101. 
Congregational Church, 113, 277. 
Congress, Colonial, first, 41, 52, 53. 
Continental, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82, 

83, 90, 92, 93, 104. 
National, 98, 99, 101, 102, 103, 104, 
163, 180, 193, 217-219, 223, 224, 
263, 278, 282, 287, 295, 308. 
Provincial, 78, 80, 83. 
Stamp Act, 72. 
Conkling, Roscoe, 231, 252, 260, 261, 
Connolly, 248. 
Constitution of New York, 88, 115, 

135, 136-138, 174, 186, 188, 189, 201, 
228, 2.59, 271-273, 278. 

of United States, 101, 102, 234, 270. 
Constitutional Convention, 88,101,102, 

136, 186-189, 187, 203. 271, 272. 
Convention, Provincial, 33, 53. 

State, 83, 141, 142, 150. 
Cooper, Dr. Mvles, 64, 79, 201. 
,J. Fenimore, 114, 202. 
Peter, 159, 193, 253. 
Cooperstown, 106, 114. 
Corlears Hook, 19. 
Cornhurv, Lord, 45, 46. 
Cornell," Alonzo B., 253, 260, 261. 
Cornell University, 313, 316. 
Corning, 106. 

Corporations, 262, 27l, 292. 293, 810. 
Corruptions, 278, 279, 293, 294, 318, 

323. 
Cortland county, 107, 301. 
Cosbv, Governor, 48, 49. 
Counties, 37, 104, 112, 151, 186, 229, 

271 286 
Courts, 37, 71, 136, 1.38, 184, 186, 187, 

188, 245, 246, 272, 282. 
Cowperthwaite. Elizabeth, 61. 
Crary, John, 161. 

Crime, 158, 204, 216, 244, 279, 319, 320. 
Croker, Richard, 295. 
Croswell, Edwin, 139. 
Croton Aqueduct, 206, 207. 
Crown Point, 51, 53, 54, 58, 79, 86. 
Cruger, John, 72. 



Curtis, George William, 264, 316. 
Curtius, Alexander Carolus, 24. 

Dana, Charles A., 315. 

Danforth, Asa, 301. 

Danforth, Elliot, 290. 

Davenport, Ira C., 265. 

Dawson, Henry B., 316. 

Dayton, William L., 219. 

Debts, 154, 186, 187, 188, 204, 242, 254, 
271. 

Declaration of Independence, 73, 82, 
83. 

De Lancey, James, 52, 53, 71, 321. 
Stephen, 47. 

Delaware county, 105, 184, 185, 301. 

De Leat, John, 62. 

Democratic-Republicans, 115. 

Democrats, 115, 136, 139, 140, 142, 159, 
161, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 177, 178, 
180, 185, 187, 189, 211, 212, 213, 215, 
218, 219, 220, 225, 228, 245, 246, 248, 
250, 251, 252, 253, 260, 261, 262, 263, 
265, 271, 281, 286, 290, 292, 293, 294. 

De Monts, 5. 

Denton, Daniel, 63. 

Depew, Chauncey M., 255, 260, 274, 
293. 

Detmold, C. E., 190. 

De Vries, 17, 18. 

Dewey, Admiral George, 288, 289, 321. 

De Witt, Charles, 88. 

Dickinson, Daniel S., 178, 189, 214. 

Directors General, 15. 

Dix, Dorothy L., 204. 

John A., 156, 180, 189, 212, 223, 
227, 231, 249, 250, 251, 322. 

Dodge, General, 230. 

Dongan, Thomas, .36, 37, 39, 44. 

Doubledav, Captain Abner, 222. 

Draft, 22.5-227, 228, 229. 

Drake, Joseph Rodman, 202. 

Draper, Amos, 106. 

Andrew Sloan, 316. 
John W., 315. 

Dresden, 113. 

Drummond, General, 132. 

Duane, James. 77, 102. 

Duer, William, 88. 

Duke of York, 23, 34, 35, 38. 

Dunkirk, 192, 300. 

Dunlap, William, 201. 

Dutch, 2, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19, 23-27, 34, 
35, 60, 62, 64, 100, 106, 114, 136, 181, 
182, 216, 267. 

Dutch Reformed Church, 44, 204. 

Dutch West India Company, 62. 

Dutchess county, 37, 77, 78, 238. 

Duties, 75, 101, 153, 309. 

Dyke, Nathaniel, 107. 

Earl of Dunmore, 75. 

East India Company, 75. 

Education, 7, 8, 24, 59-64, 114, 154, 
155, 160, 176, 199, 201. 240, 241, 269, 
270, 274, 282, 285, 294, 298, 311-317, 
322. 

Edmunds, Judge, 171. 



400 



INDEX 



Edwards, Oj?den, 189. 

Elections, 135, 226, 249, 250, 271, 272, 

282, 287, 290. 
Electors. Presidential, 140, 142, 161, 

186, 212, 221. 
Electricity, 264, 300, 305-307. 
Elliot, Lieutenant, 129. 
Ellsworth, 231. 
Elmira College, 313. 
Emigration, 15, 17, IS, 105, 145, 179, 

243, 309, 323. 
Empire State, 114, 144, 235, 255, 280, 

296, 298, 300, 304, 310, 321, 322. 
England, 34, 94, 115, 116, 124, 127, 128, 

142, 234. 
English, 2, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, IS, 22, 

23, 35, 38, 40, 43, 44, 47, 52, 53, 58, 

60, 62, 63, 64, 75, 82, 109, 181, 190, 

235 298. 
Episcopal' Church, 44, 113, 204, 294, 

318 
Equal Rights Partv, 172, 173, 175. 
Erie canal, 124, 125, 133, 134, 143-148, 

269, 290. 

County, 235, 238, 298. 
Ericsson, 233, 234. 
Esopus, 22, 33. 

Indians, 6. 
Essex county, 105, 107, 220. 
Evacuation Dav, 84, 99. 
Evarts, William M., 253. 
Exports, 149, 153, 197, 239, 309. 
Express companies, 194. 

Factories, 25. 175, 219, 235, 302, 303, 

304, .305, 307, 310. 
Fairfield, 158. 
Farmers, 13, 17, 25, 90, 112, 113, 149. 

181, 183, 186, 187, 198, 228, 2.35. 238. 

239, 266, 272, 288, .302, 303, 305. 
Fassett, Jacob Sloat, 271. 
Fawcett, Edgar, 316. 
Favette. 169. 
Federalists, 101, 102, 103, 104, 115, 117, 

135, 141, 156. 
Fenians, 234. 

Fenton, Reuben E., 228, 231. 
Feudalism, 15, 16, 70, ISl, 185, 186, 

203. 
Fillmore. Millard, ISO, 192, 211, 212, 

214, 219. 
Fish, Hamilton, 189, 212. 
Fishkill. 83. 

Flagg, Azariah C, 156, 180* 189. 
Flatbush, 25. 
Flatlands, 16. 
Fleet prison. 87. 

Fletcher, Benjamin, 42, 43, 44, 48. 
Flower, Roswell P., 270, 271, 274, 275, 

276, 277, 283. 
Flovd, General, 230. 

'William, 71, 82, 83, 104. 
Folger, Charles J., 261. 
Foot. Moses, 106. 
Foreigners, 18. .37. 179, ISO, 235, 243, 

270. 272. 298. .314. .323. 
Forsyth, Mavor, 129. 

Fort Amsterdam, 13, 14, 26, 33. 



Fort Bull, 56. 

Carillon, 56. 

Clinton, 91. 

Constitution, 92. 

Covington, 129. 

Defiance, 89. 

Edward, 54, 56, 57. 

Erie, 129, 132, 234. 

Frontenac, 57. 

George, 130, 1-31, 316. 

Good Hope, 14. 

Green Park, 87. 

Independence, 92. 

Lafayette, 95, 96. 

Jlontgomery, 91. 

Nassau, 10, 11, 13. 

Niagara, 53, 58, 167. 

Orange, 13, 14, 25, 26. 

Oswego. 56. 

Plain, 99. 

Schuyler, 90. 

Stanwix, 58. 

Ticonderoga, 56, 57, 58, 78, 89, 92. 

Washington. 86. 

William. .52. 

William Henry, 56, 57. 
France, 1, 93. 116, 161, 275. 27S. 309. 
Franchise, 116, 135, 1.36, 137, 142, 149, 

160, 186, 234, 235. 272, 323. 
Franklin countv, 107, 157. 
Frederick, Harold, 316. 
Fredonia, 162. 

Freesoilers, 189, 211, 214, 215. 
French, 1, 2, 5, 43, 47, 50, 51, 52-59, 
103, 176, 267. 

pnd Indian War, 52-59. 

Mills, 129. 

Protestant Cliurch. 44. 
Froneau, Philip. 156, 201. 
Friends, 59, 114, 168. 
Frontenac, 43, .53. 
Fulton, Robert. 126. 127. 269. 
Fur trade, 5. 11, 12, 13, 25, 39, 100, 
113, 145, 146, 159, 268. 

On ire. Con or;' 1, 73. 
Gansevoort, Colonel Peter, 90. 
Gardiner, 180, 185, ISO. 
Gates, General Horatio, 86, 92. 
Geddes, .lames, 125. 
Genesee County Antislavery Society, 
218 

Land Companv, 108, 109. 
Genoseo, 106, 259. 
Geneva, 106, 114, 151, 161, 300. 

Collesre, 154. 
Geortre. Henry, 286. 

Henrv. Jr., 290. 
German Flats, 47, D4. 

Palatines, 46, 47. 
Germans. 106. 114, 235, 243. 275. 
Gibson. William TL, .316. 
Gilder, Ricliard Watson, 316. 
Gloucester. N. J.. 13. 
Godkin. P^dwin Lawrence. 316. 
Goff. John W., 279. 
Golden Hill, battle of, 74. 
Goodell, William, 212. 



INDEX 



401 



Gorhani Purchase, 109. 

Governors, 18, 33, 88, 99, 115-118, 128- 

135, 137, 272, 277, 282. 
Gowanes, 14. 
Grafton, 184. 

Granger, Francis, 172, 173. 
Grang-er, Horace, 161. 
Grant, U. S., 212, 245, 248, 249, 252, 

260, 206, 267, 276, 287, 289, 315, 322. 
Grant, Hugh J., 279. 
Greater New York, 272, 282-286, 287, 

294, SOS, 309. 
Greelev, Horace, 151, 179, 201, 212, 

248, 249, 315. 
Green, Andrew H., 283. 
Greene county, 105. 
General, 82, 84. 
Greenback party, 253, 262. 
Greenport, 193. 
Greenwich, 18. 
Griffin, Daniel G., 281. 
Griswold, John A., 231, 245. 

Habberton, John, 316. 
Hale, Nathan, 84. 
Hall, Mavor, 248. 
Halleck, Fitz-Greene, 202. 
Hamilton, Alexander, 70, 76, SO, 100, 
101, 102, 103, 117, lis, 174, 201, 321. 

Andrew, 49. 
Hamlet, James, 212. 
Hamilton College, 154, 313. 
Hammondsport, 107. 
Hampton, General Wade, 131. 
Handv, Colonel John, 106. 
Hardv, Sir Charles, 52. 
Harland, Henry, 316. 
Harlem, 83, 85, 86, 192, 207, 264, 307, 

308. 
Harnden, William F., 194. 
Harper, Mayor, 179. 
Harris, Ira,"^ 187. 
Harris, Samuel, 106. 
Hart, Peter, 222. 
Hastings, Hugh, 312. 
Hathorn, John, 104. 
Hawley, Jesse, 125, 156. 
Hav, John, 322. 
Hazel, Judge, 296. 
Hector, 128. 
Helme, Captain, 216. 
Hempstead, 286, 288. 
Hendrick, King, 53, 54. 
Herkimer, 172. 

County, 105. 

General Nicholas, 90. 
Herring, John, 77. 
Hessians, 82, 87, 88. 
Hickey Plot, 82. 
Highlanders, 80. 

Hill, David B., 265, 266, 270, 27G. 
History of New York, 175, 201, 203, 
231, 245, 278, 299, 310, 312, 316, 317, 
321. 
Hobart College, 313. 
Hobart, John Sloss, 88. 

.John W., 102. 
Hoboken, 15. 



Hoffman, Charles F., 202. 

John T., 245, 247. 
Holland, 4, 21, 34, 124, 182. 

Land Company, 109. 

Purchase, 109. 
Honeoye, 106. 
Horseheads, 106. 
Hough, Daniel, 222. 
Howe, Admiral Lord, 82, 87. 

Lord, 57. 

General William, 82, 83, 84, S5, 
87, 89. 
Hubbardtown, 89. 
Hudson, Henry, 2, 3, 4, 5, 22, 157. 

River, 2, 83, 87, 89, 95, 96, 105, 
111, 125, 126, 127, 134, 142, 161, 
162, 192, 264, 266, 267, 289, 308, 
317. 
Hughes, Archbishop, 227. 
Hunkers, 180, 187, 189, 211. 
Hunt, Washington, 213. 
Hunter, General Robert, 46, 47. 
Hydesville, 171 . 

Illiteracy, 201, 244, 314, 317. 

Imports, 149, 153, 197, 239, 309. 

Indians, 4, 5, 6-9, 11, 14, 18, 19, 
21, 22, 35, 44, 51. 53, 54, 56, 59, 60, 
63, 88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 109, 110, 
113, 129, 130, 174, 177, 184, 190, 216, 
301. 

Industry, 7, 25, 26, 112, 113, 148-154, 
193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 235, 236, 
237, 238, 298, 299, 300, 302, 303, 3T)4, 
315, 317, 322. 

Inglis, Dr. Charles, 201. 

Ingoldsbv, Mavor Richard, 41, 42. 

Insurance, 205, 219, 236, 282, 310. 

Internal improvements, 48-52, 113, 172. 

Inventions, 195, 243, 274, 306, 322. 

Iroquois, 6, 11, 36, 38, 47, 51, 53, 59, 
63, 79, 88, 93, 94, 95. 

Irish, 227, 234, 235, 243. 

Irving, Washington, 156, 201, 202. 

Ithaca, 106, 151, 260. 

Izard, General, 132. 

Jacobs, General, 230. 
James, Mayor, 72. 
James, Thomas L. , 260. 
Jamestown, 228. 

Jay, John, 70, 77, 88, 98, 100, 102, 103, 
115, 136, 156, 201, 217, 321. 

Peter A., 136. 
Jefferson county, 107. 

Thomas, 117, 143, 151, 162, 167. 
Jerry Rescue, 213. 
Jersey City, 194, 308. 
Jesuits, 44, 62, 113, 301. 
Jews, 25, 44, 49. 
Jogues, Isaac, 25, 27. 
Johnson, Guy, 79, SO. 

Sir John, 79, 80, 90. 

Dr. Samuel, 70. 

Sir William, 51, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 
79, 181. 
Johnstown, 80, 93. 
Jones, Horatio, 106, 



402 



INDEX 



Jones, Samuel, 102. 
Jorvis, Adrian, 13. 
Juet, Robert, 3. 

Kearney, Philip, 188, 230. 

General Stephen Watts, 188. 
Keep, Henrv, 271. 
Kelly, 260. " 
Kennedy, Robert, 228. 
Kent, Chancellor James, 136. 
Kernan, Francis, 249. 
Keuka College, 313. 
Kidd, Captain William, 45. 
Kieft, William, 17, IS, 19, 20. 
King, John A., 219, 220. 

Preston, 231. 

Rufus, 104, 136. 
Kings College. 62, 64, 70, 79, 15.5. 

County, 37, 77, 235, 238, 284, 298. 
Kingston, 44, 83, 88, 92, 130, 259. 
Knovver, Benjamin, 139. 
Knovv-Nothing party, 215, 219. 

Labor, 242, 266, 272, 276, 277, 286, 303, 
304. 

La Calle, 132. 

Lafayette, 93, 94, 162, 163. 

Lamb, John, 72, 80. 
Mrs. Martha J., 316. 

Land, 98, 104, 105, 107, 108, 109, 149, 
155, 174, 181, 182, 183. 

Landlords, 174, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185. 

Lansing, Abraham, 102. 
* John, Jr., 101, 102. 

Lapham, Elbridge G., 261. 

Lathrop, George Parsons, 316. 

Lawrence, Cornelius W., 153. 
John, 104. 

Lazarus, Emma, 316. 

Lee, Anna, 169, 170. 
Charles, 79, 81, 82. 

Leeds, Daniel, 63. 

Legislature formed, 37, 101, 102, 104, 
108, 109; education, 114; canal, 125, 
134; constitutional changes, 136, 137, 
139; chooses presidential electors, 
140, 141, 155, 157; protective tariff, 
160, 168; banks, 174, 178, 179; Anti- 
rent war, 184-180; changes in consti- 
tution, 185, 187; Mexican war, 188; 
railroads, 190, 191 ; education, 199, 
211; temperance, 214, 215, 223; edu- 
cation, 245; Tweed ring, 246, 248, 
251, 254, 255, 261, 203, 267, 271; in- 
crease in number, 272, 275, 279, 280, 
282; Greater New York, 283, 284; 
Spanish war, 288, 292, 294, 295; 
trusts, 303; schools, 311-313, 314; 
parks, 310, 317. 

Leisler, Jacob, 40, 41, 42, 43, 225, 321. 

Leonard, Captain Joseph, 106. 

Lewis county, 107, 162. 
Francis, "78, 83. 
Morgan, 117, 155, 156. 

Lewiston, 131. 

Lexow, Senator Clarence, 279. 
Committee, 279, 280. 



Libel suit, first great, 49. 
Liberal Republicans, 248, 250. 
Liberty Party, 179, 180, 189, 212. 

pole, 73, 74. 

political, 35, 72, 74, 321, 323. 
Libraries, 157, 199, 241, 253, 285, 314, 

320. 
Lincoln, Abraham, 221, 222, 223, 224, 

228, 229, 231, 250. 
Literature, 02, 108, 156, 201-203, 217, 

315, .316, 317, 322. 
Livingston county, 166, 170, 302. 

John Philip, 77, 145, 182. 

Peter R., i;^4, 136. 

Philip, 72, 82, 83, 88. 

Robert, 38. 

Robert R., 72, 78, 79, 82, S3, SS. 
102, 127. 

William, 63, 71. 
Lockport, 151, 162, 306. 
Loco-Focos, 172, 173. 
Long Island, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 34, 
44, 82, 83, 84, 127, 193, 263. 

City, 236, 283. 

Sound. 10, 286, 308. 
Lossing, Benson J., 316. 
Lotteries, 1.53, 204, 272, 279, 318. 
Lovelace, Francis, 34. 
Low, Hampton, 170. 
Isaac, 77. 

Seth, 283, 280, 294, 295. 
Loyalists, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 86, 87, 
88, 93, 94, 95, 99, 100, 107, 201, 217. 
Lundv's Lane, 132. 
Lutheran Church, 44, 113, 318. 
Lyman, Phineas, 54. 
Lyons, 106. 

Mabie, Hamilton W., 316. 
MacDonough, Captain, 1.32, 133. 
Mackey, William F., 294. ^ 
Macomb, General, 133. 
Magaw, Colonel, 86. 
Manchester, 131. 

Manhattan, 11, 13, 14, 10, 84, 263, 308. 
Borough, 284, 285. 
College, 313. 
Indians, 6. 
Manlius, 113. 
Mann. Horace, 199. 
Manufactures. 17, 25. 113, 145, 149, 150, 

151, 203, 219, 237-239, 274, 299, 300, 

301, 303. 
Marcv, A\illiam L., 139, 147, 156, 172, 

173, 175, 177, 183, 188, 189, 213, 214, 

218, 321. 
Markets, 113, 145, 153, 269. 
Masons, 167, 168, 172, 255. 
Matliews, .James Brander, 316. 
May, Itov. Samuel J., 213. 
Mayo, William Starbuck, 203. 
Mayville, 182, 183. 
McCaulev, James, 203. 
McClure, General, 131. 
McCrea, Jane, 90. 
McDonald, Henry M., 290. 
McDougall, Alexander, 72, 74. 



INDEX 



403 



?>.'i 



\0. 



197, 



192, 

274, 



215, 
322. 



in, 



McElroy, William H., 255. 

McKinlev, William, 267, 281, 2S7, 288, 

293, 294, 295, 296. 
Megapolensis, Dominie Johannes, 
Melville, Herman, 203. 
Mercer, Colonel, 54, 56. 
Merchants, 72, 75, 153, 159, 187, 

228, 232, 242, 250, 277, 288. 
Messenger, Robert H., 202. 
Methodists, 113, 204, 242, 318. 
Metropolis, 99, 145, 147, 175, 180, 
193, 205, 229, 237, 246, 260, 271, 
275, 291, 295, 305, 310. 
Michaelus, Jonas, 24. 
Milbourne, Jacob, 41, 42. 
Militia, 128, 175, 177, 183, 273. 
Miller, Colonel, 132. 

Warner, 260, 261, 265. 
William, 170. 
Millerites, 170. 
Minuit, Peter, 13, 14, 16. 
Mohawk River, 6, 93, 95, 124. 
Mohawks, 6, 9, 19, 43, 80, 90, 93. 
Mohegans, 6. 
Monckton, Robert, 52 
Monev, 45, 109, 121, 174, 1.5, 21., 280, 

281, 294, 309. 
Monroe, Colonel, 57. 

County, 105. 
Montgomery county, 105. 
John, 48. 

Richard, 79, 80, 81. 
Moore, Clement C, 202. 

Governor George, 124. 
Morality, 44. 158, 203. 204 214 

242 272, 278, 279, 293, 294, 318 
Morgan, Edwin D., 220, 231, 253, 

William, 167. 
Mormons, 168, 169. 
Morrell, General, 230. 
Morris, George Perkins, 202. 

Gouverneur, 70, 88, 124, 125. 
Lewis, 78, 82, 83. 
Richard. 102. 
Robert, 109. 
Morse, Samuel B., 193. 
Morton, Levi P., 266, 273, 2<4, 

278, 280, 283. 
Mosely, David, 168. 
Mott, Gershom, 72. 
Muirson, George, 60. 
Murphy, Edward, Jr., 293. 
Murray, John, 75. 
Joseph, 53. 
Lindley, 201. 

Nagle, General, 230. 
Nassau county, 286. 
Native American Party, 179, 180, is-, 

189 

Negroes, 50, 213, 216. 217, 225, 226, 

227, 234, 235, 249, 314 
New Amsterdam, 9, 10, 16, 21, 22, 3o, 

New-Englanders. 18, 19, 25, 54, 89, 91, 
96, 106, 112, 114, 136, 308. 

New Jersev, 34, 35, 36, 49, 86, 117, 
127, 262, 263. 



New Netherland, 12, 13, 14, 33, 35, 62, 

216. 
New Paltz, 313. , ^ 

New York, 1, 2, 33; recaptured by 
Dutch, 34; ruled by Andros, 36; 
county of, 37; crown colony, 39; 
Revolution of 16SS, 40; religion, 44; 
Queen Anne's War, 45; population an 
1730, 48; libel suit, 49; free press, 
49; King George's War, 51, 52; Al- 
bany Congress, 53, 56, 63, 70; French 
and Indian War, 70; population m 
1763, 70; non-importation, 75; con- 
tinental congress, 76, 77; provincial 
congress, 78; Lexington, 78; Tories, 
81; British plan to take, 82; be- 
comes a state, 83; first constitution, 
88; Burgoyne, 88, 91, 95; ratifies 
Articles of Confederation, 98; Loyal- 
ists, 99, 100; western New York, 101; 
U. S. constitution, 102; first Presi- 
dent, 104; Vermont, 105; land to 
soldiers, 107, lOS; state road, 110; 
slaverv abolished, 116; War of 1812, 
128-133; imports and exports, 140; 
agricultural society, 150; state li- 
brary, 157; DeWitt Clinton, 160; 
visitors, 161-163; Antimasonic move- 
ment, 167, 168; first President from, 
173; panic of 1837, 174, 175; patriot 
war, 177; election of 1840, 178; war 
with Mexico, 188, 189, express com- 
panies, 193, 194; education, 199; liter- 
ature, 201-203; fires and cholera, 204, 
205; election of 1848, 211; second 
President from, 212; temperance, 
215; slaverv, 210-221; civil war, 222- 
227; election of 1864, 227, 228; draft, 
229; soldiers, 230, 231; effort and 
cost of war, 233; railroads, 23*; 
manufactures, 238, 239; commerce 
and agriculture, 2.38, 239; Horace 
Greelev, 248, 249; campaign of 1884, 
262 263; fourth President, 263; Hill, 
266-270; election of 1896, 280, 281; 
Spanish war, 288; sixth President, 
296; railroads, 305; business, 310, 
311; newspapers, 314, 315; churches, 
317 318; statesmen, 322; past and 
future, 322, 324. 
New York City charters, 34, 37, 48; 
churches, 44; piracy, 41; population, 
48; first newspaper, 48; negro plot. 
50; fires, 50; grammar school, 60; 
Stamp Act Congress, 72. 76; first 
Continental Congress, 77; Com- 
mittee of One Hundred, 78; captured 
bv the British, 84, 86, 96; evacuated. 
99, 100; capital, 102, 104; roads, 110; 
stages 111; mail. 111, 115, 116; 
steamboats, 126-128, 141; Erie canal, 
143, 145, 150; condition in 1835,^ 152; 
mayor elected, 153; social condition, 
153, 154; schools and newspapers, 
156' 157; religion and charity. 158, 
163, 171; riot, 175; fugitive slave. 
178; new partv, 179, 186, 188. 190; 
raikoads, 191, 196; telegraph, 193; 



404 



INDEX 



World's Fair, 193; population, 197; 
Public School Society, 199; cholera, 
fires, and water, 205-207; slave-trade, 
212; civil war, 223; election of 1861, 
224; riots, 225-227; bar, 231; women, 
232; soldiers and money, 233; 
foreigners, 235; population, 235; 
charity, 242, 243; Tweed ring, 245- 
248; charter of 1870, 247, 248; li- 
brary, 253; wealth, 254; collector 
of port, 2G1, 2G6, 2G7, 268, 270, 271. 
277; corruptions, 278; Chamber of 
Commerce, 280, 284; Spanish war, 
288; Dewey reception, 288, 289; 
history of, 292, 298; street-cars, 305, 
308; educational system, 312, 313; 
newspaper and book center, 314, 315; 
churches, 317, 318. 

New York Historical Society, 73, 157, 
259, 321. 

New-Yorkers, 187, 188, 223, 230-234, 
293, 322, 323. 

Newark, 107, 131. 

Newburg, 99, 100, 806. 

Newspapers, 43, 44, 48, 49, 70, 71, 72, 
114, 136, 151, 152, 156, 157, 168. 184, 
185, 191, 192, 195, 200, 201, 213, 217, 
221, 219, 222, 223, 226, 232, 241, 242, 
250, 269, 280, 282, 288, 294, 300, 306, 
314, 315. 

Newtown, 259. 

Niagara, 129, 132, 307. 
College, 313. 
Countv, 302. 
Falls, 161, 295, 316. 
Fort, 41, .53, 5S, 59, 110. 
River, 108, 130, 131, 167, 176, 234, 
264. 

Nicholson, Lieutenant Francis, 40. 

Nicolls, Colonel Richard, 22, 33, 34. 

Nine Men, 21. 

Non-importation agreement, 72, 73, 75. 

Normal schools, 156, 200, 240, 241, 230, 
313. 

North Elba, 220. 

North Hempstead, 286. 

Noyes, John Humphrey, 170. 

O'Callaghan, Edmund, .316. 
O'Conor, Charles, 187, 259. 
Odell, Benjamin B., Jr., 294. 
Ogdensburg, 52, 128, 129, 130, 177, 193. 
Oneonta, 313. 
Oneida, 110. 

Communitv, 170, 171. 

Countv, 105, 113, 125, 216, 238, 301. 

Lake, 107. 
Oneidas, 6, 8, 93, 94. 
Onondaga county, 105, 106, 125, 217, 
238. 

Lake, 6, 113. 

salt springs, 272. 
Onondagas, 6, 8, 47. 
Ontario county, 105, 107, 113. 
Opdvke, Mavor, 227. 
Orange county, 37, 77, 2.38. 
Orleans countv, 302. 
Oriskany, battle of, 90, 259. 



Osborn, Sir Danvers, 52. 
Oswego, 47, 53, 56, 57, 59, 101, 106, 
132, 151, 196, 197, 240, 290, 299. 

County, 107, 238, 302. 
Otsego county, 105, 114. 

Lake, 94. 
Ovid, 106. 
Oyster Bay, 286. 

Paine, Thomas, 201. , 
Palatine Bridge, 47, 56 
Palatines, 46, 47. 
Palmyra, 106, 169. 
Pan American Congress, 295. 

Exposition, 295, 296. 
Panics, 172, 174, 219. 
i'arker, Amasa J., 219, 223. 
Parklmrst, Rev. Charles H., 278, 279, 

293. 
Parties, 43, 76, 101, 102, 115, 135, 139, 

140, 143, 172, 178, 179, 214, 218, 219, 

246-248, 286, 287. 
Patriotism, 224, 242, 259, 278, 312, 317, 

321, 322. 
Patroons, 15, 16, 17, 21, 181. 
Paulding, James K., 202. 

John, 97. 
Paupers, 158, 204, 216, 244, 319. 
Pauw, Michael, 15. 
Pavonia, 19, 21, 22. 
Pavne, John Howard, 202. 
Peekskill, 91, 288. 
Pendleton, Judge, 143. 
Penn, William, 38, 181. 
Penn Yan, 106. 

People's Party, 140, 141, 228.. 
Perrv, Isaac G., 255. 

Oliver H., 130. 
Phelps, Oliver, 106. 

and Gorham purchase, 109. 
Philipse, Adolph, 47. 
Pike, General, 130. 
Piatt, Tliomas C, 260, 261, 26G, 293. 
Plattsburg, 128, 132. 
Plvmouth, 14. 
Poo, Edgar Allan, 202. 
Population, 8, 13, 15, .35, 70, 105, 110, 

148, 151, 152, 196, 235, 269, 270, 274, 

283, 285, 286, 298, 299. 
Porter, General Horace, 267. 
Post-office, 35, 111, 112, 153, 156, 241, 

242, 269. 
Potter, Bishop, 294. 
Poughkeepsie, S3, 102, 197, 264, 300. 
Presbvterians, 44, 113, 204, 242, 262, 

.318. 
Presidential election, 103, 104, 116, 117, 

134, 135, 140, 141, 161, 177, 179, 211, 

212, 220, 227, 228, 245, 248, 249, 252, 

294. 
Prescott, 177. 

Prideau, General John, 58. 
Prisons, 158, 204, 2.S1, 282. 
Prohibitionists, 213-216, 250, 260, 286. 

Quakers, 44, 63, 217. 
Queens county, 37, 44, 284, 298. 
Borough, 284, 285. 



INDEX 



405 



Queenstown, 139. 

Railroads, 146, 190-194, 195, 197, 203, 

207, 215, 219, 228, 229, 235, 237, 242, 

246, 251, 264, 269, 270, 285, 299, 300, 

305, 307, 308, 310. 
Raines Law, 318. 
Raritans, 18. 

Raymond, Henrv J., 201. 
Reforms, 189, 204, 205, 251, 260, 262, 

278, 279, 282, 291, 293, 317. 
Resents of the University, 114, 155, 

311 313. 
Reid,' Whitelaw, 232. 
Religion, 7, 13, 25, 33, 36, 44, 61, 63, 

113, 114, 157, 203, 204, 266, 275, 298, 

315, 317, 318, 322. 
Rensselaer county, 184, 238. 
Rensselaerwyck, 15, 19, 25. 
Republicans, 115, 116, 117, 134, 135, 

171, 172, 215, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 

225, 245, 246, 248, 249, 250, 252, 253, 

259, 261, 262, 265, 266, 271, 278, 281, 

286, 290, 293, 294. 
Revolution, 49, 50, 70, 73, 74, 79, 93, 

105, 111, 112, 115, 150, 155, 161, 174, 

181, 182, 201, 206, 216, 223, 242, 265, 

269, 308, 321. 
Rice, Victor M., 200. 
Richmond, 284, 285. 
Borough, 284. 
Countv, 37, 44, 221, 284. 
Riots, 174; 175, 182, 183, 225-227, 228, 

229, 230. 
River Indians, 6, 19. 
Rivington, James, 78. 
Roads, 25, 110, 113, 142, 190, 191. 
Roberts, Ellis H., 316. 

James A., 316. 
Robertson, William H,, 260. 
Robinson, Lucius, 253, 260. 

Thomas, 72. 
Rochester, 101, 148, 149, 151, 162, 171, 

190, 196, 204, 223, 226, 276, 298, 299, 

315, 318. 
Colonel, 151. 

. Judge, 159. 
Rockland county, 105. 
Roe, Edgar Payson, 316. 
Roebling, John A., 264. 
Roman Catholics, 201 (see Catholics). 
Rome, 56, 58, 134, 144, 148. 
Root, Elihu, 294. 
Roosevelt, Theodore, 284, 288, 290-296, 

316, 322, 323, 324. 
Rose, Robert S., 216. 
Rutherford, Captain Allan, 231. 

Sacketts Harbor, 127, 128, 129, 130. 

St. Regis, 129, 131. 

St. Stevens College, 313. 

Salt, 272, .301, 302, 303. 

Sandv Hook, 145. 

Sanford, 135. 

Saratoga, 51, 52, 92, 162, 266, 280, 290. 

Countv, 105, 214. 
Schenectady, 6, 41, 76, 100, 112, 125, 
151, 184, 190, 191, 196, 197. 



Schoharie, 94. 

Countv, 105, 259. 
Schools, 24, 35, 59, 60, 61, 62, 112, 114, 
134, 148, 154, 155, 156, 168, 188, 197, 
199, 200, 204, 224, 240, 269, 272, 275, 
277, 280, 310-317. 
Schoultz, Von, 117. 
Schurz, Carl, 316. 
Schuyler county, 108. 
John, 43. 

Peter, 43, 46, 47, 51, 52. 
Philip, 78, 79, 80, 88, 89, 90, 92, 
104. 
Scluivlerville, 259. 
Scotch, 50, 79, 80, 235. 
Scott, John Morin, 71, 88. 

Winfield, 130, 132, 177, 214. ^ 
Seaburv, Rev. Samuel, 201. 
Scars, 'Isaac, 72, 77, 78, 80. 
Sedgwick, Charles B., 231. 
Senate of New York, 88, 103, 163, 175, 

185, 186, 285. 
Seneca county, 107, 169, 216. 

Falls, 106, 125. 
Senecas, 6, 8, 38, 47, 93. 
Seward, William H., 163, 172, 175, 178, 
179, 183, 184, 214, 218, 221, 223, 229, 
230, 315, 321, 
Seymour, Horatio, 213, 215, 223, 225, 
227, 228, 229, 245, 253, 259, 322. 
John F., 232. 
Shakers, 169, 170. 
Sharpe, General, 230. 
Shaw, Henry Wheeler, 316. 
Shepard, 178. 

Edward M., 294. 
Sheridan, General Phil, 322. 
Sickles, Daniel E., 230. 
Silvester, Peter, 104. 
Sing Sing, 158. 
Skenesborough, 89. 
Skinner, Robert, 134, 139. 
Slavery, 27, 116, 153, 154, 178, 179, 180, 
188, 189, 211, 212, 214, 216-222, 224, 

225, 231, 234, 249. 
Sloat, Commodore, 188. 
Slocum, Henry W., 230. 
Sloughter, Colonel Henry, 41, 42. 
Smallev, George W., 232. 
Smith, Gerrit, 178, 211, 212, 213. 

Joseph, 169. 
Lawrence, 106. 
Melancthon, 102. 
Sheldon, 143. 

William, 49, 53, 63, 71, 88. 

Social conditions, 7, 8, 26, 27, 36, 64, 

149, 150, 158, 159, 167-171, 187, 203- 

207, 242-244, 269, 270, 298, 318, 320, 

323. 

Soldi'ers, 78, 106, 107, 128, 178, 188, 

226, 227, 228, 230, 232, 233, 234, 
267 288 312 

Sons of^Liberty, 49, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 

78, 79, 100. 
Southwick, Solomon, 139, 161. 
Spencer, 156. 

John C, 168. 

Rachel, 59. 



406 



INDEX 



Spiritualism, 171. 

Springfield, 94. 

Stadt Huis, 254. 

Stage-coaches, 111, 153, 193, 269. 

Staten Island, 14, 15, 17, 18, 22, 82, 

118. 
St. Clair, General, 89. 
St. Francis Xavier College, 313. 
St. John's College, 313. 
St. Leger, Colonel, 88, 90, 91, 92. 
St. Regis Indians, 8. 
Stamp Act, 71, 72, 73, 225. 
Stanchfield, John B., 294. 
Stanvvix, General, 58. 
Stark, Colonel John, 91. 
Statesmen, 230, 249, 253, 274, 293, 

296 321 322. 
Stedrnan, Edmund Clarence, 232, 316. 
Steuben, Baron, 107. 

Countv, 105, 106, 107. 
Stephens, William, 301. 
Stephenson, John, 305. 
Stevens, 172. 

Stevenson, 294. -^ 

Stewart, Alexander T., 159. 

General, 230. 
Stillwater, battle of, 92. 
Stirling, General, 84. 
Stoddard, Richard Henry, 316. 
Stone, William L., 144, 156, 316. 

William L., Jr., 114, 316. 
Stony Point, 95, 96. 
Storrs, Rev. Henry R., 213. 
Street-car, 153, 237, 264, 304, 305, 307. 
Strikes, 276, 304. 
Strong, General, 230. 

William L., 279, 280, 283, 291, 312. 
Stuyvesant, Peter, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 

27, 62, 321. 
Suffolk county, 37, 77. 
Sullivan, General, 84. 

Expedition, 94, 95, 106, 110, 259. 
Sumner, General, 230. 
Svracuse, 101. 148, 151, 152, 162, 191, 
'196, 204, 213, 223, 236, 250, 254, 276, 
281, 290, 298, 299, 301, 315, 316. 
Syracuse University, 313. 

Talcott, Samuel A., 1.39. 
Tallmadge, General James, 136, 141. 

Samuel J., 187. 
Tammanv Hall, 135, 136, 156, 157, 173, 

246-248, 252, 260, 279, 286, 294, 295. 
Tariff, Protective, 160, 168, 172, 218, 

249, 309. 
Tarrytown, 97. 
Taxes, 21, 33, 34, 71, 73, 75, 76, 104, 

155, 176, 185, 186, 224, 230, 247, 266, 

278, 285, 292, 293, 300, 318. 
Tavlor, Bavard, 202. 
Teachers, 59, 62, 199, 200, 212, 242, 311, 

312. 
Teachers' College, 313. 
Telegraph, 145, 193, 194, 235, 242, 260, 

305. 

Submarine, 193, 194, 309. 
Temperance, 214, 242, 250, 278, 318. 
Thompson, Smith, 161. 



Throop, Enos T., 161. 

Ticonderoga, 58, 86, 89. 

Tilden, Samuel J., 185, 187, 250-252, 

265, 266, 322. 
Tioga countv, 105. 
Tolls, 110, 271, 307. 
Tompkins countv, 105. 

Daniel D., 128, 134, 135, 136, 143, 
156, 265, 322. 
Tonawanda, 151. 
Tovvnsend, General, 230. 

Samuel, 88. 
Tracv, 172, 173, 282. 

Benjamin F., 230, 286. 
Trade, 9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 35, 145-148, 

219, 224, 235, 268, 269, 298, 299, 300, 

304, 305, 307, 308, 309, 310. 
Transportation, 145, 146, 239-305, 310. 
Travel, 149, 203, 310. 
Treaties, 11, 14, 21, 35, 58, 59, 109, 128. 
Trenton, 113. 
Trespass Act, 100. 
Trov, 100, 106, 152, 162, 191, 197, 236, 

298, 299, 300. 
Trumansburg, 107. 

Trusts, 17, 173, 246, 293, 294, 303, 304. 
Trvon countv, 75, 90, 105. 

' William,' 75, 79, 81, 82, 104. 
Tuscaroras, 8, 93, 131. 
Tweed Ring, 201, 245-248, 251, 265. 
Twelve Select Men, 18. 
Twiller, Walter van, 16. 
Tyler, Colonel Comfort, 301. 
Moses Coit, 316. 

Ullman, Daniel, 216. 

Ulster county, 37, 78, 184, 238. 

Unadilla, 94. 

Underbill, Captain John, 19. 

Union College, 154, 245, 313. 

United States, 101, 103, 128, 134, 170, 

171, 176, 188, 234, 236, 267, 269, 277, 

285, 288, 297, 300, 313. 
University of the City of New York, 

250. 
Urv, John, 50. 
Utica, 105, 106, 110, 111, 112, 140, 141, 

144, 145, 146, 151, 159, 168, 172, 180, 

190, 191, 196, 200, 204, 216, 217, 223, 

236, 245, 298, 299. 

Van Buren, Martin, 134, 1.35, 136, 139, 
160, 161, 171, 172, 173, 175, 177, 178, 
180, 188, 189, 191, 211, 250, 253, 321. 
Van Dam, Rip, 48, 49. 
Van Rensselaer, Jeremiah, 104. 

Killian, 15. 

Manor, 183. 

General Stephen, 129, 136, 145, 177, 
183, 190. 
Van Rensselaers, 100. 
Vassar College, 313. 
Van Twiller, Walter, 16. 
Van Wert, 47. 
Van Wvck, Augustus, 290. 

Robert A.. 286, 289, 294. 
Verhulst, William, 13. 
Verplanck's Point, 95. 



INDEX 



407 



Villages, 148, 151, 152, 175, 193, 196, 
230, 240. 269, 275, 283, 289, 298, 307. 
Villard, Henry, 232. 
Visitors, famous, 162, 163. 
Vries, Pietersen de, 18. 

Wabingos, 6. 

Wadsworth, General James S., 225, 

230. 
Walloomsac River, 91. 
Walloons, 13. 

War, Civil, 194, 212, 222, 223-230, 
233, 234, 242, 243, 254, 312, 313, 
315, 316, 321. 

French and Indian, 52-59. 

King George's War, 51. 

King William's War, 43. 

Mexican, 188, 189, 211, 214, 309. 

Patriot, 176-178. 

of 1812, 128-133, 174, 292. 

Queen Anne's War, 45. 

Spanish-American, 287-289, 321. 
Warner, Seth, 79, 104. 
Warren, Sir Peter, 51. 
W'arsaw, 218. 

Washington, George, 79, 81, 82, 84, 85, 

86, 87, 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 101, 102, 

115, 116, 124, 151, 162, 167, 201, 206. 

Washington county, 105, 170. 

Washington, D. C, 193, 222, 229, 292, 

297, 310. 
Wassenaer, 62. 
Waterloo, 106, 151, 259. 
Watertown, 177, 300. 
Watervliet, 170, 300. 
Watkins, 106. 
Watson, Elkanah, 124. 
WajTae, 107. 

County, 108, 302. 

General 95 96. 
Wealth, 148, 153, 176, 196, 203, 269, 

274, 285, 286, 287, 300, 319, 322. 
Webb, Colonel Daniel, 57. 
Webb. General, 230. 
Webster, Daniel, 192. 

Ephraim, 106. 

Noah, 156. 
Weed, Thurlow, 114, 145, 156, 157, 167, 

178, 179, 221. 
Welleslev, Island, 177. 
Wells College, 313. 
West Cayuga, 106. 
West India Company, 12, 25. 
West Point, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 190, 230. 



Westchester countj% 37, 44, 64, 77, 

238 298 
Westfieid, 107, 111, 102. 
Western New York, 100, 101, 105-107, 
110-114, 124, 136, 145, 148, 151, 167, 
168. 
Wheeler, William A., 231, 252, 260. 
Whigs, 76, 77, 78, 172, 173, 175, 177, 
178, 179, 180, 185, 187, 188, 211, 212, 
213, 214, 218, 219. 
White Hall, 89, 191. 

Hugh, 106. 

Plains, 83, 86. 

Richard Grant, 316. 
Whitestown, 106, 110, 149. 
Whitman, Walt, 315. 
Whitney, William C, 2S0. 
Wiley, William, 72. 
Wilkins, 180. 
Wilkinson, Jemima, 113. 

General James, 130, 132. 
Willet, Thomas, 34. 
Willett, Marinus, 90. 
Williams, David, 97, 259. 

Colonel Ephraim, 54. 
Wilson, Alexander, 162. 

General James Grant, 316. 

General James M., 230. 
Winsor, 15. 

Winthrop, Governor, 14. 
Wisner, Henry, 58. 
Woodford, Stewart L., 245. 
WoodrufiF, Timothy L., 290-294. 
Woodworth, Samuel, 202. 
Wool, General John E., 188, 227. 
Workingmen's Party, 172. 
Worth, General, 188. 
Wright, Judge Benjamin, 125. 

Silas, 180, 185, 187, 188, 189, 211. 

Yankees, 106, 114. 
Yates, Abraham, 88. 

Countv, 113. 

Joseph C, 139, 140, 141, 156. 

Peter, 102. 

Robert, 88, 101, 102, 115. 
Yonkers, 236, 298, 299. 
Young, Colonel, 140. 

John, 180, 185, 186, 187, 189. 

Samuel, 134. 
Youngstown, 131. 

Zenger, Peter, 48, -■;>. 



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